Wadena Kingsbury

Wadena F. Kingsbury, age 89, longtime downtown Greenville merchant, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2005 at Clark Retirement Community, Grand Rapids. The daughter of Harry & Nellie (Wilkinson) Finch, she was born on Jan. 11, 1916 in Greenville. After graduating from Greenville High School, she married Austin J. Kingsbury on Aug. 31, 1934. He preceded her in death on Feb. 15, 1980. For many, many years, Wadena managed the Gittlemans Clothing store in downtown Greenville. She was a long-time member of St. Pauls Episcopal Church, a life member of the Thalia Club, an avid bridge player, and a proud member of the Greenville Alumni Association. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Mary Kay & Ernest Bates of Grandville; three precious grandchildren, Elizabeth & Richard Freehafer of Jenison, John Bates of Margate, Fla., and Todd Bates of Wyoming; three great granddaughters, Sarah, Alyssa, and Kathleen Freehafer. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2005 from the chapel of Clark Retirement Community, 1551 Franklin S.E., Grand Rapids. The Rev. Father John Kirkman, pastor, and the Rev. Father Lester Thomas, retired pastor, of St. Pauls Episcopal Church, will preside. Private interment will be at Rest Haven Memory Gardens. Visitation is Friday evening from 5-8 p.m. at the Brown-Teman & Christiansen Funeral Home, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, and on Saturday from 1-2 p.m. at the Clark chapel. The family extends their special thanks to Wadenas caregivers at the Clark home and suggests that contributions in her memory be directed to the Benevolent Care Fund at Clark Retirement Community. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wadena Kingsbury, please visit our flower store.