Elaine Cleven's Obituary
Elaine Cleven, age 87, of Spring Lake passed away Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Heartwood Lodge. She was born June 20, 1930 in St. Joseph to Glenn and Beatrice (Rinehart) Clark. Her husband Alfred W. Evans II passed away in 1973.
Elaine grew up in St. Joseph Michigan. She graduated from Kalamazoo College with a BA in education and met and married Alfred “Bill” Evans. She spent several years as an elementary school teacher and her and Bill moved to Grand Haven in 1962. After his passing Elaine became involved in the retail business working for Steketees of Grand Haven and Linens and Things in Muskegon. She became department manager for three stores. Elaine re-married Cleo Cleven. During their many years together, she spent her time traveling and serving the Tri-Cities community. Elaine’s extensive involvement in the community included the Missions Commission with the Church of the Dunes in Grand Haven, Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, Children’s reading with HOSTS and the Ferrysburg Recreation Commission. Elaine was instrumental in saving the Ferrsyburg Nature Preserve behind her home and other dune preservation projects. She has scores of awards and certificates in appreciation of her years of service. As a life-time member of the Tri-Cities Garden Club, she served as Vice-President, Co-Vice President and membership chairman. Elaine was heavily involved with flower shows and also served as general chair, publicity chair and flower show judge. She was a charitable donor and member of several non-profits. Elaine loved the outdoors and was passionate about birds, flowers, gardens and wildlife. She also loved the ocean and Lake Michigan and always went to the beaches. Elaine was happiest sitting on her front porch amongst her amazing flowers and gardens. She was always the one to protect nature, as well as people less fortunate.
She is survived by two children, Elizabeth Ayres, and Thomas Evans; sister-in-law, Ruth Clark. She was preceded in death by her brother David Clark and former husband and friend, C.E. Cleven.
A memorial gathering will take place 1-3 PM Thursday March 8, 2018 at the United Methodist Church of the Dunes. Interment will take place in Lake Forest Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Elaine may be given to the United Methodist Church of the Dunes. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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