Obituary of Constance Gillenkirk

Constance Marie Barron was born in Monroe, Michigan on December 3, 1931. She was one of seven children born to the union of the late Frank Barron and the late Laura (Roberts) Barron. She married the love of her life, Donald Gillenkirk, on June 25, 1948. From this union came the birth of four children. Constance took on the responsibility of raising the couple's children as a homemaker. As a stay at home mom, she was very attentive to her family's needs, each and every one of them. Constance received her spiritual nourishment by attending Monroe Gospel Church. She enjoyed playing games, including cards and was an avid euchre player. She also loved to shop, whether at a store, a garage sale, or a flea market. Constance also valued the functions held by Woodcraft Square, where she had resided. She adored her family and their get-togethers. Her love of children was always obvious, but was even more apparent when she babysat for others' children for more than ten years. Constance M. Gillenkirk age 80 of Monroe went to be with her Lord and Savior, surrounded by her loving family, at 10:05 am on Monday, September 24, 2012 at Mercy Memorial Hospital. In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by her beloved husband, Donald; two brothers: Frank and Barney; a sister: Annie; and an infant daughter: Lorraine Victoria. Constance leaves to cherish her memory two daughters: Patricia Gillenkirk and Sheryl Dye, both of Monroe; a son: Frank Gillenkirk of Monroe; two sisters: Cecilia Adamczyk of Manistee and Margaret Hagey of Howell; a brother: Alexander Barron of Westland; seven grandchildren: Ron (Julie) Benore, Jill Benore, Jack (Amy) Benore, Walter (Crystal) Love, Crystal Love, Aleah Gillenkirk, and Derek Gillenkirk; and five great-grandchildren: Riley, Jenna, Blake, Isaic, and Mariana. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm, Friday; September 28, 2012, at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 11:00am, Saturday, September 29, 2012, at Monroe Gospel Church, 618 East 1st Street. Jack Branham, Pastor of Monroe Gospel Church, will officiate. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe for burial. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.