Kathleen T. Earnest, 95, of Traverse City and formerly of Reed City, passed away Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions Willow Cottage.

Kathleen, Kate to her family and friends, was born on February 21, 1918 to the late Dee and May (Sullivan) Stanton in Sears, MI.

She graduated from Evart High School. After high school she and her older sister Marie, enjoyed going to dances at local barn dances and town halls. On July 13, 1940, Kate entered into marriage with Clifford John "Kip" Earnest. The two celebrated an amazing 70 years of marriage until Kip's passing in January 2010. She enjoyed entertaining friends and neighbors during their life together in the Reed City area. Kate was very active in the Rebekah's Lodge. She held various offices and was also very active in their community work. Kate was also a good cook and loved to prepare meals for family and friends to enjoy. Kate applied her skills as a cook and worked in the food service division at Ferris State University until her retirement. After retirement she and Kip spent many winters in Florida. Kate and Kip moved to Traverse City in 2008 and made their new home at the Willow Cottage.

Kathleen is survived by her three loving daughters, Jolene (John)
Marshall of Traverse City, Patricia (Jerry) Freund of Newburgh, IN and Kay Hensley of Radcliff, KY. She is also survived by three grandsons, Christopher Hensley, Bardstown, KY, David Marshall, Traverse City and Paul Marshall of Chapel Hill, NC, brother and sister-in-law Norm and Floss Earnest of Reed City, devoted nieces and nephews, as well as many other loving family members and friends.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford "Kip" Earnest, brother, Delbert Stanton, sister, Marie Miller Borst, her parents and son-in-law, Charles Hensley.

Memorial services will take place at 1 P.M. on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at
the McDowell Funeral Home in Reed City, with visitation for friends and family beginning at 12:00 noon until the time of service.

Private grave-side committal services will be held in Woodland Cemetery in Reed City

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation for Cottages Scholarship, 1000 Pavilions Circle, Traverse City, MI 49684-3181.