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Katherine Louise (Geiger) Havey-Rowland, age 93, of Smyrna, passed away Thursday, November 12, 2015 at her home after a lengthy illness under the care of her family and Ionia Area Hospice. The daughter of August Christian & Emma (Roth) Geiger, she was born on February 13, 1922 near Saranac and retired from the former Gibson Refrigerator Company after 20 plus years of service.
In retirement she enjoyed her grandchildren, gardening and weeding, baking and cooking, picking strawberries and blueberries to share with family, and reading. In recent years, she also delighted when her special childhood friend, Elsie Wilson, would visit and end their time together with the words, "I'll see in you in the funnies.".
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Robert Havey; second husband, Andrew Rowland; a brother, Lester Geiger; and three sisters, Ruth VanBennekom, Marie Gernhardt, and Esther Mast.
Surviving are her two sons, Mike & Jeanne Havey, and Jon & Claire Havey, all of Smyrna; grandchildren, Jennifer & Jim Hickman, Josh & Michelle Havey, Michaela & Gideon Havey-Robinson; nine great grandchildren, Autumn Brokaw, Mitchell Brokaw, Kalob Hickman, Korbin Hickman, Josh Havey, Summer Havey, Kara Havey, Charles Robinson, and Remington Robinson; a brother, Al Geiger; two sisters, Shirley Ingraham, and Arlene Poteracke; and many nieces and nephews.
Honoring her wishes, no services will be held and private interment will be in Orleans Township Cemetery. Instead of flowers, Katherine would have appreciated contributions in her memory to either Shriners Hospitals for Children (www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/donate), Ionia Area Hospice (www.IoniaHospice.org), or the Alvah N. Belding Library (www.belding.michlibrary.org).
To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Katherine's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.ChristiansenCares.com Arrangements were entrusted to Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville.
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Mike, John and families,
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I remember spending time at your house growing up. She was always busy in the kitchen baking something, canning something or just chatting. Her smile not only lit up her face but the wihole room and everyone around her. She will be missed.
Rest in peace Aunt Kat. Give Mom a hug for me!
Jeanne Mast Freybler
John and Mike, and family,
I am very sorry of the loss of you’re dear Mother,
Coming to Michigan and visiting my aunts and uncles was really a hi light in my LIFE
I did not come to Michigan a whole lot, but each time was “like a mini movie”- its not stored on a dvd- its kept with me – and when I do have quiet times, family usually pops up inside my head.
Aunt Kat and I visited the farm years ago – it was so special. ( it was like touching and seeing my mother also when I saw Aunt Kat)
She had the best smile, she was a lovely person.
Sincerely,
Melinda Beasley
So sorry of the loss of your mom, our Aunt Kat. A wonderful woman.
She had a knack for making us feel special when we visited.
Really down-home, enjoying simple pleasures in life like strawberry picking and blueberry-pie making. She relished sharing memories of the farm, saving letters my mother wrote from California, and hers were a delight to read. My mother would telephone, “I got a letter from Kat!”, meaning come over and have a cup of coffee while I read it.
Aunt Kat’s last years were difficult, but the love of her family made it easier. Bless you and your wives, Jeanne and Lynn, and families for all you did.
Aunt Kat is at peace, with her heavenly family, what a reunion that was!
I can feel the good vibes from there already!!