LaVonne "Vonnie" Marie Griner
(February 25, 1938 - April 25, 2013)

LaVonne Marie "Vonnie" Griner, 75, of Frankfort, died Thursday, April 25, 2013, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 25, 1938, in Nessen City, the daughter of Francis "Pat" and Lena (Egan) Milliron.

Vonnie descended from a Pioneer family. Her family came to Nessen City from Pennsylvania by covered wagon in 1864, and they were accompanied by the Griner family. Vonnie graduated from Copemish High School where she met her future husband, Roger. Vonnie was an accomplished builder, developer, and designer. Along with her husband, Vonnie launched and operated a number of Interlochen businesses, including Fun Country, Griner's Food Market, Interlochen Shopping Plaza, EZ Storage, and West Side Condos. She also found time each spring to assist with maple syrup production at the Griner Family Sugar Bush in Pomona.

Vonnie received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, First Communion, and Marriage at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Copemish. She was a founding member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, in Grawn, and a member of St. Ann Catholic Church, in Frankfort, at the time of her death.

In her spare time, she loved to quilt, she made many quilts for relatives and friends. She also loved to garden and preserve her rich family history. Vonnie was a talented woodworker, and she loved to bake cakes from scratch and make homemade ice cream for birthdays.

On November 26, 1960, at St. Raphael Catholic Church, in Copemish, Vonnie married Roger Griner who survives her. She is also survived by: her children, Linda (George) Bower of Lake Ann, Mark (Ruth) Griner of Lake Ann, and Scott (Jennifer) Griner of Interlochen; her grandchildren, Alexandria Bower of Traverse City, Kortney Bower of Lake Ann, and Boyd Griner of Lake Ann; her siblings, Marvin (Betty) Milliron of Nessen City, Robert (Jan) Milliron of Nessen City, and Rita Dinger of Interlochen; her Silly Aunts, Laura (Charles) Milliron of Nessen City, Edna Chandler of Mesick, and Margaret Waters of Frankfort; her mother-in-law, Beth Griner of Interlochen; and many nieces and nephews.

Vonnie was preceded in death by her parents.

Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 2, 2013 at St. Raphael Catholic Church, in Copemish, with Monsignor Francis Murphy celebrant. Interment will follow in the Cleon Township Cemetery in Copemish. A celebration of Vonnie's life and a meal will follow at the Griner Family Sugar Bush. Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM, Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at the Bennett-Barz Funeral Home, in Beulah, where Prayers of the Holy Rosary will be said at 7:30 PM.

During the last few years of her journey here on earth, Vonnie was fortunate to have many wonderful individuals who went above and beyond their duties to provide outstanding care for her. The family extends their sincere appreciation to the professional and personal personnel for their assistance.

In lieu of flowers and to honor of the German Shepherds that served as her lifelong companions, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Welfare League of Benzie County.

The Bennett-Barz Funeral Home, in Beulah, is in charge of arrangements.

--www.bennett-barzfuneralhome.com