Mahrlene Ann Rainey passed on November 26, 2018 at Sparrow Hospital, surrounded by those who loved her most. Born on August 2, 1935 in Jackson, Michigan, the only child of Mahrle and Mildred Paul. Mahrlene was a lifelong Michigan resident.
She married Robert Rainey on December 26, 1955 in Horton, Michigan and the couple was blessed with three daughters.
In her early years, she was a Girl Scout leader, member of Sweet Adelines, and the owner of La Boutique. Her devout beliefs and lifelong love of sewing led to her involvement in University Lutheran Church Prayers and Squares Ministry. When not volunteering at the church, Mahrlene enjoyed spending time at the family’s cottage on Half Moon Lake and cheering on her favorite basketball team, the Michigan State Spartans.
Mahrlene is survived by her husband, Robert (Tim) Rainey; three daughters, Marcia (Mark Savara) Jones, Kimberly (Daniel) Sweet, and Michelle (Gregory) Tatara; 7 grandchildren, Katie (Abe) Wilson, Meaghan (Kyle) Hofstaedter, Jason (Amy) Sweet, Cory (Rachel) Sweet, Eric (Andrea) Sweet, Madelyn Tatara, and Ashleigh Tatara; 5 great grandchildren, Hunter Wilson, Benjamin Sweet, McKenzie and Piper Hofstaedter, Hugh Sweet; feline child, Yogi; and many other friends and loved ones, including lifelong friend and sister-in-law, Jeanne Rainey. She is preceded in death by great grandson, Zachary Sweet.
The family will receive friends at Gorsline Runciman East Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, Friday from 4-7 p.m.
Memorial service at University Lutheran Church, 1020 S. Harrison Rd., East Lansing, Saturday at 1 p.m. Visitation begins at 12 noon.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to University Lutheran Church Prayers and Squares Ministry, 1020 S. Harrison Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823 or the Livingston County Humane Society, 2464 Dorr Rd., Howell, MI 48843
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.greastlansing.com
