Ernestine J. Garnaat

GARNAAT, Ernestine J.
Kalamazoo, MI Ernestine Jo Garnaat, age 53, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, April 12, 2013, at Kairos Dwelling in Kalamazoo, MI. She was born in Kalamazoo on April 25, 1959, a daughter of Russell A. and Melia Ernestine Verkow Garnaat and had been a lifelong area resident. Ernestine was a Special Olympian for many years, competing in track events, soccer and bowling. She enjoyed the annual Shalom trips travelling to exciting cities and special events. Ernestine worked as a grocery bagger at Harding's Market for 17 years and was a member of Bethel Reformed Church. She enjoyed playing the piano, knitting and working word search books. Ernestine was preceded in death by: her parents; a sister, Patricia John; and a nephew, Chris Garnaat. Surviving are: nine siblings, Ruth Charles Scheltens of Round Lake Beach, IL, Harold Vicki Garnaat of Kalamazoo, Bette William Powell of Augusta, Sharon Dale Pickett of Ft. Myers, FL, Russell Jackie Garnaat, Jr., of Vanderwagen, NM, Priscilla Jack Followell of Flippin, AR, Kenneth Gladys Garnaat of Guatemala, James Carol Garnaat of Dowling and Albert Lorie Morgan Garnaat of Kalamazoo; two aunts; an uncle; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Monday from 5-8pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick Street. Services will be held 11:00 Tuesday morning at the funeral home, with her pastor, Rev. David Armstrong, officiating. Interment in Riverside Cemetery will follow services. Memorials in Ernestine's memory may be directed to Shalom, Inc. or to Kairos Dwelling.