Elnora May Peabody

On Sunday evening, August 28, 2022, Elnora May Peabody, age 91 of Grandville, passed away peacefully at her assisted living home. Elnora was born in Mansfield, Ohio on November 18, 1930. She was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Darl Hillman Peabody; parents Ralph and Bertha Tinkey; brother, Karl Tinkey; brothers-in-law Frederick Peabody and Berwyn Standish; sisters-in-law Beth Peabody and Linda Standish; nephews Lloyd Kraft, Christopher Peabody, Danny, and Larry Standish; great-nephew, Shawn Quarry; and great-grandchild, Joshua Elzinga.

Elnora is survived by her children Penny (Gary) Wyn, Victoria (Stephen) Peabody-Duren, and Susan Hedeman; grandchildren Tracey Sterken, Wendy (Al) Meeker, Lindsey (Patrick) Tipton, Courtney and Eliot Hedeman; great-grandchildren Nicholas, Ashley, Savanna (Thomas), Jordan, Madeline, and Jack; sisters-in-law Irene Tinkey and Nancy Peabody; brother-in-law, David (Stella) Peabody; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also special to Elnora are her dear friends Aletha, Gerry, and Linda.

Elnora was a devoted and loving wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and in-law. She was a positive force and memorable. Elnora was fun and fun-loving, principled, generous, and devout. She maintained a lifelong good Samaritan and strong work ethic. Her Lutheran Church experience growing up in Ohio was an important influence. After her marriage and move to Michigan, Elnora made many like-minded friends through her active involvement in the Grandville United Methodist Church, UMC Women’s Circle, SECOM (South End Community Outreach Ministries), and the Methodist Community House. She valued her numerous friends made in the Riverbend Ladies’ and the Grand Rapids Ladies’ Literary Clubs, the Psi lota Xi Sorority, Eta Sigma Chapter, Kent County 4-H wherein she taught outdoor cooking, and the Riverbend neighborhood where she and Darl raised three daughters.

Elnora and Darl were partners twenty-four seven. Both possessed a hard work and do-good ethic, a love of family, and passion for their community. The two shared curiosities about the world and had adventurous streaks. Elnora helped Darl found and manage Rapid Control Service (a true adventure), and was his brave passenger on the eccentric engineer’s unique small sailboat and plane as they traversed Michigan. With him, she also enjoyed broader travels by air, land, and sea including Australia, China, Israel, Mexico, Eastern and Western Europe, and throughout the United States, with many family vacations to Hawaii.

A private memorial service for the immediate family will be held Friday afternoon, September 23 at Cook Memorial Chapel in Grandville, with Pastor Ryan Wieland of Grandville United Methodist Church officiating. In keeping with Elnora’s wishes, she has been cremated and interment of her ashes will be at Hudson Corners Cemetery in Allegan. In honor of Elnora, contributions may be made to Grandville United Methodist Church, United Methodist Community House, or SECOM. To quote Elnora, “When I’m gone, don’t waste your time boo-hooing, do something useful and good.”

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the entire Grand Village Assisted Living community, with special thanks to Danette, Darlene, Tabatha, Sam, and Suzie. Memories and messages are welcome in Elnora’s online guest book at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.