Obituary for Tammy L. Iden
Tammy Lynn Iden, 62, of Battle Creek, Michigan passed away on April 18, 2021 at her home with her beloved dog, Simon at her side.
Tammy was born at Community Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan on January 31, 1959. She was born to parents, Stanley T. Smith and Laura L. (Blood) Smith. This union ended in divorce and Laura married a wonderful man, Larry G. Erskine. Larry raised Tammy and taught her that family does not always mean blood relation. Family is love, kindness, and consideration. It is being by each other’s side in good and bad times, its laughter, and sometimes tears. When dad became ill Tammy was by his side helping mom to care for him until his death.
Growing up, Tammy loved her family camping trips, amusement parks, picnics, and swimming at Bristol Lake. The best swimming though was at Uncle Bill and Aunt Patty’s pond. It was beautiful and all family. Tammy loved nature and animals. She thought the trees in autumn were amazing. She would get in her car and just drive, looking at the color changes and photographing it. Tammy was an artist; she could find the beauty in anything. Things other people would throw out; she would save and make beautiful.
Tammy loved working in her yard; planting, gardening and decorating. She made a koi fishpond in her back yard and discovered a mouse was coming to visit. So, she made him his own little home as well! Tammy loved horror movies and reading, especially Stephen King novels. Arts and crafts were a love she shared with her parents, making wood items and painting them. She was an advocate for saving the Earth and animal rescue.
Tammy married Keith R. Iden on February 19, 1977. They had one son together, Jeremy R. Iden.
Tammy worked at Meals on Wheels, Little Caesar’s Pizza, Kmart, Rite Aid, Michaels, and Family Dollar. After her retirement, she enjoyed annual trips to Shipshewana flea markets with her friends, Bonnie and Susie.
Tammy met and made her home in 2000, with her life partner, Stacey A. Hogan. They shared 21 beautiful years together before Tammy’s unexpected passing. Tammy’s ultimate happiness was being a grandma and great grandma. She loved her grandchildren with her whole heart and soul.
Tammy leaves behind the love of her life and partner, Stacey A. Hogan; mother, Laura L. Erskine; son, Jeremy R. (Shayla) Iden; grandchildren, Destinique (Chris), Tianna, Xavier, and Azaria; great-grandchildren, Helena and baby boy Cameron (to arrive in August); siblings, Kelly J. Smith, Cara L. Erskine, Dawn M. Erskine, and Tony W. Erskine; many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and her fur babies, Simon, Ryder, Miss P, Jawee and Crybaby. She was preceded in death by her dad, Larry Erskine and father, Stanley T. Smith.
In accordance with Tammy’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial visitation will take place on Monday, May 3, 2021 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm at Baxter Funeral & Cremation, 375 W. Dickman Rd. Battle Creek. In lieu of flowers, plant a tree in Tammy’s memory or a donation to the Calhoun County Animal Shelter. Arrangements entrusted to Baxter Funeral & Cremation. www.baxterfuneral.com
Tammy was born at Community Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan on January 31, 1959. She was born to parents, Stanley T. Smith and Laura L. (Blood) Smith. This union ended in divorce and Laura married a wonderful man, Larry G. Erskine. Larry raised Tammy and taught her that family does not always mean blood relation. Family is love, kindness, and consideration. It is being by each other’s side in good and bad times, its laughter, and sometimes tears. When dad became ill Tammy was by his side helping mom to care for him until his death.
Growing up, Tammy loved her family camping trips, amusement parks, picnics, and swimming at Bristol Lake. The best swimming though was at Uncle Bill and Aunt Patty’s pond. It was beautiful and all family. Tammy loved nature and animals. She thought the trees in autumn were amazing. She would get in her car and just drive, looking at the color changes and photographing it. Tammy was an artist; she could find the beauty in anything. Things other people would throw out; she would save and make beautiful.
Tammy loved working in her yard; planting, gardening and decorating. She made a koi fishpond in her back yard and discovered a mouse was coming to visit. So, she made him his own little home as well! Tammy loved horror movies and reading, especially Stephen King novels. Arts and crafts were a love she shared with her parents, making wood items and painting them. She was an advocate for saving the Earth and animal rescue.
Tammy married Keith R. Iden on February 19, 1977. They had one son together, Jeremy R. Iden.
Tammy worked at Meals on Wheels, Little Caesar’s Pizza, Kmart, Rite Aid, Michaels, and Family Dollar. After her retirement, she enjoyed annual trips to Shipshewana flea markets with her friends, Bonnie and Susie.
Tammy met and made her home in 2000, with her life partner, Stacey A. Hogan. They shared 21 beautiful years together before Tammy’s unexpected passing. Tammy’s ultimate happiness was being a grandma and great grandma. She loved her grandchildren with her whole heart and soul.
Tammy leaves behind the love of her life and partner, Stacey A. Hogan; mother, Laura L. Erskine; son, Jeremy R. (Shayla) Iden; grandchildren, Destinique (Chris), Tianna, Xavier, and Azaria; great-grandchildren, Helena and baby boy Cameron (to arrive in August); siblings, Kelly J. Smith, Cara L. Erskine, Dawn M. Erskine, and Tony W. Erskine; many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and her fur babies, Simon, Ryder, Miss P, Jawee and Crybaby. She was preceded in death by her dad, Larry Erskine and father, Stanley T. Smith.
In accordance with Tammy’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial visitation will take place on Monday, May 3, 2021 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm at Baxter Funeral & Cremation, 375 W. Dickman Rd. Battle Creek. In lieu of flowers, plant a tree in Tammy’s memory or a donation to the Calhoun County Animal Shelter. Arrangements entrusted to Baxter Funeral & Cremation. www.baxterfuneral.com