I just recieved word of Kris' passing from another high school classmate.  I am sadden by this news.  The photo the family chose is a great one.  It shows Kris' constant smile.  She was a smiler, seemed to be smiling all of the time.  God bless her family.  Alter '68

I am so sorry for the loss of my good friend and colleague.  She helped make our library a wonder, welcoming space for our students.  Even in retirement she generously gave her time to us and many others. She will be truly missed.

Kris was one of the genuinely nicest people I've met in my lifetime. I will keep her and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

I am shocked to hear of Kris' passing. The world will miss such a bubbly and inspiring person.  Charlie and Emily---
Her joys in life is what you were to your Mother as well as your Dad. Sorry for the loss of them both in such a short time..
With sympathy and compassion...
Julie Blackburn, (Your Dental Asst)

We had such great days recently doing the Marshall home tour and the Great Lakes Folk Festival.  I will miss getting together at the Lansing Lugnuts baseball games and our occasional walks.  What a consistently cheerful person Kris was.  I will miss her very much!

To the family and friends of Kris, my heart is heavy and share in your loss of an incomparable force and tremendous lady in our community; when my boys and I first moved to Okemos 15 years ago, she was the first familiar face to us at CMS from her broad involvement in the orchid society and in the lives of her fellow members and made the bridge for us to the larger community so much easier.  We will miss her energy, giving spirit, warmth and positive outlook deeply. For us her memory will always be for a blessing.

Kris was one of the sweetest and most helpful people I've ever met. RIP dear lady.

We met Kris through the judging center. Kris and I would have wonderful conversations while our husbands were judging. Since Don passed we have kept in close touch through emails. We will miss her. Our prayers and thoughts are with her family.

Kristine's gentle spirit and her friendly personality were contagious.
My sympathies are with your family.
She was a pleasure to work with.
-Trina Karr

The Chippewa Middle School "family" was gifted by the company of Kris Garling. Repeating what so many have said, she greeted us with a smile and was always ready to assist in what ever way she could. A truly lovely lady.

I am so very sorry to learn of Kris' death. She made the Chippewa MS library a very welcoming place, for students and staff alike. What a beautiful lady she was.  Blessings to her family in this time of grief.

As many, I was deeply saddened to hear of Kris' passing. She was a most beautiful person whose friendship I will always cherish. Heaven is now her home. My prayers to Emily, Charlie, their families and all who loved Kris. We who are left behind will miss her greatly.

Kris was always the warmest welcome to C.M.S. Library. She always had a moment to chat & commiserate, and cheer. My sympathies to Emily, Charlie, and the whole family.

Kris was a treasure: always kind and helpful, ready to pitch in and help with anything that needed doing at the Greater Lansing Orchid Society. Her orchid family will miss her very much.

I first met Kris in 1987 when she and Don joined the Greater Lansing Orchid Society. She and I became even closer friends after she lost Don -- we walked together several times a week, traveled to orchid events together -- even the World Orchid Conference in Singapore.  We explored Thailand and Cambodia while we were at it.  I feel bereft! Kris was such a willing helper for our orchid activities, often helping me set up our Society's meeting room. I want to express my sympathy to her children, her grandchildren, her brothers, and her sisters.  Kris was a wonderful person. How we shall miss her!

I was very fortunate to have worked with Kris at Chippewa Middle School for many years. She was the kindest and gentlest soul I ever knew! My prayers and heart go out to her family. She will be sorely missed.

Emily, I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful mother. My heart goes out to you and your family.

She made us feel welcome when we moved into the neighborhood 4 years ago and had been a wonderful neighbor ever since. We will miss her. May she rest in peace.

I am in shock- Kris was a very special friend and I will miss her!

Kris' passing will leave a big hole in the Greater Lansing Orchid Society. I don't think I've ever met or worked with a more even-tempered, gentle person.

We all need a time for tears, not for my sister who is now at peace in heaven as we realize that things will never be the same again.

It is so sad that this world has lost the smiling face and joyful laugh of Kris.  We always enjoyed our talks with her and will miss her much.  May she rest in eternal peace.  May her children and grandchildren find peace and comfort in memories of her smile and warmth.

I had the privilege of working with Kris' husband Don at MSU for 23 years.  As such, Kris was part of the Fisheries and Wildlife extended family.   She was a kind, caring soul.  Those of us who knew Kris were shocked to hear of her passing and on behalf of the department I wish to extend our most sincere condolences to Kris' friends and family, particularly to Emily and Charlie.

I am so saddened at the loss of my friend. She was always there for all of her friends, close and far. She made sure we got together frequently after my divorce and I am so thankful for her thoughtfulness. She has touched many more lives than she will ever know.

Kris was the kindest most giving person I have met. She never forgot any of the trials or tribulations a friend was going through and always made sure to stay in touch. I am going to miss her sorely.

very sorry to hear about the loss of this delightful lady; she was a great contributor to the community and her smile and postiive attitude will be missed.

I am so very saddened to hear about the loss of my friend Kris!!!  She was an amazing woman and will be missed by many... especially those of us  from St Martha Church in Okemos, Mi.
May she be at peace in heaven and may her family know
how much she was loved...

With my Sympathy

Willie Busch

Willie Busch

OBITUARY

Kristine Marie Ritzert Garling

March 4, 1950 – October 19, 2014

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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