Maris Spaulding

Maris Corinne Spaulding, 18, of Central Lake died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous 8 month battle with leukemia, Thurs. Nov. 29, 2012 at DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids. She was born Nov. 15, 1994, in Traverse City, the daughter of Stephen and Tracy (Johnson) Spaulding. She grew up and spent most of her life in Central Lake, a community she truly appreciated and was proud to call home. Maris graduated in 2012 from Central Lake High School where she participated in NHS, was the president of the Student council, yearbook editor, and a member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters . Maris enjoyed playing the team sports of softball, volleyball, and basketball all thru her high school career. She was an active member of the 1st Congregational Church in the youth group and as a Sunday school teacher. She also enjoyed drama, dancing, spending time with her friends and participating in community events such as the Relay For Life. Maris touched the lives of all she met. Whether it was her beautiful smile, her contagious laugh, or quirky, silly ways, people were drawn to her. A true caring and giving friend, she guided us all through these last months, with her kind heart, lovable spirit, and positive outlook. The example she set will be her lasting legacy. Maris is survived by her parents, her beloved brother Simeon, grandparents Gary and Jan Johnson and Kathryn and Don Henschell, aunts and uncles Wendy (Mark) Guyette, Theresa (Steve) Davis, Marty (Mickey Loew) Spaulding, Molly (Bo) Ellis, Leah (Nate) Capper, Mimi (Ed Diede) Spaulding, cousins Sydney, Tatum, Brogan, Lauren, Heather, Jessie, Levi, Nigel, Jack, Gwen, Fisher, and Henry. She is also survived by her boyfriend and best friend Caleb Windish, and a multitude of friends and other family members. She was preceded in death by her grandfather John E. Spaulding Jr. Funeral services will be held Sat. Dec. 8th at 1 p.m. at the Central Lake High School Gymnasium with Pastor Gary Bekkering officiating. Interment will follow in Southern Cemetery. The family will receive friends Fri. Dec. 7th from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes and again Sat. Dec. 8th from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the Gymnasium. Memorial donations may be directed to "The Maris Spaulding Memorial Fund", c/o CLPS, PO BOX 128, Central Lake, MI, 49622. Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.