This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: WHL44 Surnames: THOMPSON, FIRESTONE, DOUGLASS, HELLARD, ANDROS, REITZ, QUADE, JENKINS, BRUNTON, Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.kalamazoo/25827/mb.ashx Message Board Post: THOMPSON, Elizabeth J. Of Kalamazoo Elizabeth Jane (Firestone) Thompson, mama par excellence (and grandma and grandma-great, aunt and friend, ad infinitum) died Tuesday afternoon, February 2, 2010, surrounded by family, full of peace in her earthly end. She was 91 and weary, eager to go Home.Elizabeth was born in Dowagiac, Michigan, on January 1, 1919, to James F.and Lillian M. Firestone, deceased. She was preceded in death also by two brothers, Robert I. Firestone and James E. Firestone. On April 5, 1942, she was united in marriage to Robert L. Thompson, who died on April 8, 2004. Together they had four sons who survive: J. Michael (Sharon) Thompson of Mattawan, Ronald M. (Edna) Thompson of Richland, Donald E. (Nancy) Thompson of East Grand Rapids, and Thomas R. (Sharon) Thompson of Grand Rapids. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren: Troy A. (Lori) Thompson, Chad N. (Gayle) Thompson, Nicole A. (Kyle) Douglass, Matthew E. (Sarah) Thompson, Amy E. (Bryan) Hellard, Scott D. (Alyssa) Thompson, Cathy C. (Alex) ! Andros, Jennifer M. Thompson, Aubree E. Thompson, Nathan J. Thompson and Lukas D. Thompson. Surviving, too, are twelve great-grandkids with five more about to join the line-up. In addition, Elizabeth leaves behind her dear sister, Patricia (John) Reitz of Ann Arbor, and sisters-in-law, Beatrice Quade of Beloit, Bonita Jenkins of Kalamazoo and Rebecca (Robert) Brunton of Eaton Rapids. Most vitally, she trails behind her a vast legacy of quiet service to others: all the years of delivering "Meals on Wheels," all the volunteerism for the Red Cross, all the running of errands for ailing neighbors, all the notes of encouragement as she dispensed her perfect caring and God's relentless grace. Her "greatest achievement?" "Raising four sons," she'd say. Her "greatest joy?" "My family.I'm just a family person." We who bear the imprint of this beautiful, tenacious woman owe her beyond measure, beyond words. Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 11th at Westwood United Methodist Church, 538 Nichols Rd., Pastor Wayne Price officiating, followed by lunch and then by a graveside ceremony at Riverside Cemetery. Friends may greet the family on Wednesday, February 10th from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St. The Thompson family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Elizabeth's memory be made to any of the following charities: Senior Services (for "Meals on Wheels"), 918 Jasper, Kalamazoo, MI 49001; Southern Care Hospice, 4341 S. Westnedge Ave., Suite 2100, Kalamazoo, MI 49008; Westwood United Methodist Church Foundation, 538 Nichols Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49006; Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, 448 N. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007; Habitat for Humanity, 525 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Coming to the wire after nine decisive decades, Elizabeth Jane Thompson exemplified the words of St. Paul, for she had indeed "fought the good fight.finished her course.kept the faith." Amen. Please visit www.langelands.com to read the obituary, obtain directions to the funeral home and church, leave a condolence to the family and view the video montage. Published in Kalamazoo Gazette on February 4, 2010 (Posted by a VOLUNTEER-NO family connection) Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.