Crystal Elaine (Bailey) Lund, age 91 of Sheridan, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at the Laurles of Carson City after a loving opportunity to say goodbye to her family. She was born August 3, 1925 in Greenville the daughter of Fred & Bertena (Clark) Bailey. Elaine will be remembered for her life of service to others, family, friends, students, church and her community.

After graduating from Greenville Public Schools, continuing her education was a personal priority for her, but after just one year at Flint Community College, her father was injured in an industrial accident and her goal of a college degree was put on hold as she returned home to help her family. While working at the soda fountain at Owen’s Drug Store, “Blondie” met Donald Lund, a young sailor who was soon to be deployed to the Pacific front. She knew he was the one and it was meant to be when he wired the message home to her, “send ring size.” In 1946 they were married. When their young family of baby-boomers reached school age, Elaine began night classes through Central Michigan University and finally realized her goal of a college degree, with a Bachelor of Science in Education. For twenty-five years she taught life sciences at Greenville Middle School. Summers were a welcomed break for her and her family as they allowed opportunities for family camping trips which were always “up north.”

An active member of the First Congregational Church, UCC of Sheridan, Elaine taught Sunday School, participated in the local and state activities of the women’s fellowship, was a deaconess and for many years chaired the church’s mission efforts. Many will remember her call for “Noisy Sunday,” when the change in the offering plates was dedicated to those less fortunate. She was also a lifetime member and past president of the Lester J. Sitts, VFW Ladies Auxiliary and loved attending many functions there. With her retirement, opportunities opened up for her to expand her area of travel, volunteer with Hospice, expand her circle of friends and actively support local theatrical efforts.

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents; husband Donald; infant son Dean and a brother, James Bailey.

Surviving Elaine are her children, Carl Lund of Sheridan, Eric (Gary Kuehnle) Lund of Chelsea, Gail (Larry) Cavanagh of Marion, Anne (Mike) Alexander of Sheridan, seven grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and her brother, Jack Bailey of Greenville.

Elaine’s family would like to thank her nurses and attendants at the Laurles who so willingly shared their professional services and compassion. Also a big thank you to Kim Lund who was her loving caregiver at home before she needed a skilled nursing facility.

Visitation with Elaine’s family will be on Friday, March 10, 2017 from 7 to 8:30 PM at the Simpson Family Funeral Home in Sheridan.

Funeral services for Elaine are being held at the Sheridan First Congregational Church, UCC on Saturday, March 11, 2017 beginning at 11 AM with Pastor Phil VanDop officiating. Final interment will be next to her husband Donald at Evergreen Cemetery in Sheridan.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Elaine’s memory to the Sheridan First Congregational Church, UCC and envelopes will be available at both the funeral home and church.

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