Marlene (Sanford) Crippen died on October 2, 2012 at the age of 71. Her parents were Elmer W. Sanford and Bertha E. Ulbick, Sanford, Myers. Marlene was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan in 1941 and moved to Battle Creek at the age of nine with her family. She graduated in 1959 from B.C. Central. She married William Crippen in 1959, that marriage ended in divorce.
Marlene worked at Lyon’s Drug Store, Security National Bank in the proof department, Big “D” grocery store, Community Hospital, in the office, Regional Medical Lab, in the office and the micro department. She also took Medical classes through the Vocational Center, Kellogg Community College and Davenport College.
In her younger years she enjoyed music, dancing, roller skating, bowling, darts, old classic cars, and gardening with her daughter Kerry. They took Master Gardener classes. She enjoyed sports and supporting her children in their school activities. She liked to watch the Detroit Tiger and Chicago Cubs on TV. Her youngest daughter and grandsons, that she adored, took her to her first live game in Milwaukee to watch the Cubs and Brewer s in 2011.
Her love was always for her faith and family. She was dedicated as a Jehovah Witness and was baptized in 1997. She appreciated life everyday and tried to show that to all those she loved and knew.
She leaves behind her living children Jeff Crippen, Debra Crippen and Teresa Davis, grandchildren Natalie (Erick) Harvey, Dillon Davis and Kyle Davis. Her love was also shared with her daughter-in-laws, Collen, they were very close also, son-in-law Dave Davis, Earl Butchbaker was very supportive and helpful to her also. Uncle and Aunt Mitch and Joan Ulbick and her cousins. Four step grandchildren, six step great-grandchildren. Peggy Upton was like a daughter, and Dave Sims as a son. Special friends Richard and Norma Fox and their families, Bob and Shirley Smith and their families.
Her oldest daughter, Kerry Crippen preceded her in 2011, after many years of sickness. Her parents, in-laws Delbert and Ruth Crippen, brother Chester Sanford Sr. sister-in-laws Mary Sanford, niece Kathy M. Sanford, Brown and Trevor Brown.
A memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 5561 E. Morgan Road, on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 1:00 PM. Memorial tributes may be made to the Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall, Central Congregation or the Calhoun County Humane Society. Arrangements by the BAXTER FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICE. (269)788-9800 www.baxterfuneral.com

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