Paynter, Marian L.
Kalamazoo

Age 98, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Caledonia, MI, on January 14, 1924, the daughter of the late Orlo and Clara (Finkbeiner) Good.

Marian grew up and attended school in Caledonia, Michigan. Although tiny in stature, she enjoyed playing basketball.  She also learned to play the accordion.  In her senior year of high school, she was voted “Best Liked” in her entire class.  She was active in the United Brethren Church.   She married her husband (Lynn J. Paynter) during WWII.  While he was serving, she became employed by Pere Marquette Rail Road as a Secretary.

Marian lived in many different places during her life.  Starting out in Michigan, the family later moved to Pennsylvania in 1956.  They moved back to Michigan in 1959, settling in Kalamazoo.  They retired in Green Valley, Arizona in 1975, where Marian was active in her church.  She always enjoyed baking.  She made the most amazing pies, breads, and countless varieties of cookies (especially at Christmas).  Everyone loved her wonderful goulash and her pickled beets.  She loved working in her yard, where ever she lived.  She even transplanted cactus plants when she lived in the Desert.  When she was 94 years old, she planted over 100 iris and tulips.  Her favorite flower was the Gardenia.

With her husband, Marian hiked many trails and mountains in Arizona, and she rode a mule to the bottom of the Grand Canyon twice.  She rafted the Colorado River three times, spending a week at a time in the Canyon.  Marian went on several cruises; her favorite was to Alaska.  She also traveled to Mexico, Germany and Haiti.  Her favorite trip of all was moving back to Michigan in 2013.  She was reunited with all her “Good” family members, and she loved seeing all the greenery again.

Nothing brought Marian more joy than spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  She was cherished and adored by all.  She loved playing games.  She excelled at the Aggravation board game – and she played to win!

Marian was the epitome of a true Christian woman.  She lived her faith and lead by example.  Her family remembers her as the kindest, sweetest, most selfless and loving lady who ever lived.  “She was a child of God who needed no words to demonstrate wisdom.” She always put everyone else first and exemplified the verse: “Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.”  Also, “GOOD” things come in small packages.” She will be welcomed at the gates of Heaven with “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Marian is survived by her loving children, Robert T. (Pam) Paynter, Lynne L. (Ronald) Grant, Nancy J. (Jim) Cook; grandchildren, Wendy L. Newman, Tracy C. Hooper, Kristen Kaplan, Lyndsay McGreevy and Mark S. Szatkowski; her sister, June Frederickson, twelve great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in passing by her husband of 76 years, Lynn J. Paynter.

In accordance with her wish, cremation will take place and no services are being held.  Samaritans Purse.org was her favorite charity, if you would like to make a donation in her name.