Obituaries

Obituary For Ricki Lynn Chowning

Ricki Lynn Chowning age 72 passed away peacefully on Monday, December 28, 2020 at Chestnut Fields Retirement Community in Muskegon with her family at her side. She was born May 23, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan to Richard I and Eleanor Hemenway. She graduated from Grand Valley and went on to Western Michigan University where she received her two Masters Degrees. She worked as a media specialist for Kent City and East Grand Rapids school districts and then went on to Ottawa I.S.D. and the REMC Association. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard I. and Eleanor Hemenway; her sister, Rebecca Denney. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Charles Wm. Chowning; her daughter, Sarah and David Goldner; son, Chris and Kate Chowning; grandchildren, Max, Emma, Isabella, Maddy, Gabby, Jackson, and Jordan; her sisters, Robin and David Petersen, Renee Hemenway; brothers, Richard II and Kathy Hemenway, Tim and Jane Hemenway; several nieces and nephews. As Ricki had requested cremation has taken place and a private family funeral service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Trinity United Methodist Church, 1100 Lake Drive S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49506

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Condolences

Chuck and family I was saddened to hear of Ricki's passing, especially as I had just been thinking of her that day, wondering how she was, and reflecting on the great times we had together as colleagues in REMC. It was my privilege to serve as REMC President for two terms while Ricki was Executive Director. I was honored to point out that fact at her REMC roast when she retired. As such, we were great partners in crime, taking on big topics and projects while leading such a fantastic organization of leaders. I swear we should have been politicians. She was such a collaborative, high energy leader and advocate for education. She definitely made a positive difference for students in Michigan! Working with Ricki was one of the highlights of my career. Thank you for sharing her with the REMC family.

- Mike Oswalt

Chuck and Sarah - I'm so sorry to hear of Ricki's passing. She was a dynamic leader and an inspiration to those of us working in education. She always talked about making sure we each made a difference in the lives of our students, and we will all miss her.

- Ron Houtman

Chuck and Sarah I had the pleasure of knowing Ricki thru MAME first and then as our REMC 7 Director. I counted her as a friend and wonderful mentor and was sad to see her leave REMC7. Her smile was infectious and her laugh like a song. I was scheduled to present for the REMC and had a full bladder attack. Ricki came to my rescue and drove me to the hospital. She was such a giving person. We lost touch over the years but I often remembered her fondly. I know you are filled with fond memories which will help you thru these hard times of grieving. Heaven has gained a bright and joyful spirit. Cyndi Phillip, Retired School Librarian/Elementary Technology Teacher, Grand Haven

- Cyndi Phillip

My deepest sympathies to all of Ricki's family. She was such a wonderful mentor to me and all of our MAME members. Her leadership and spirit always motivated me and others to be the best we could be for our schools and students. A light in our profession has gone out, but the glow will continue as we all strive to be all that she would expect us to be. I will miss her friendship and knowledge. May your memories give you comfort.

- Teri Belcher

I was very sorry to hear the news about Ricki and I send sincere condolences to the family at this time. I knew Ricki through the REMC Association where we worked on interesting projects together, shared many great conversations and enjoyed fun activities after the work was done. Ricki will be remembered by so many! Deb Dunbar

- Deb Dunbar

So very sorry to hear of Ricki's passing! I have fond memories of working with Ricki when I was the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) Coordinator at the Library of Michigan in promoting MeL in K12. Ricki and I also shared a passion for jewels and I am happy to own a beautiful Ricki Chowning original necklace; she did exquisite work! Rest in peace Ricki...

- Deb Biggs

Ricki was a shining light to many. She was an inspiration and a true leader. I received many honors as a media specialist at Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills and owed much of my success to the leadership of M.A.M.E. and especially to Ricki. She may be gone but will long be remembered by those who knew her. She enriched our programs and our lives. May she Rest In Peace.

- Noni St. Amand

Please accept my condolences on Ricki's passing. She and I worked together in the REMC association. She was a great lady, and a true educator. We had the opportunity to share a long (12+ hours) car ride together once and had one of the best conversations I've ever had in my life. Truly a generous and loving person.

- David Schulte

Chuck and Sarah, I had the pleasure of working with Ricki through our time with MACUL, the REMC Association, and at the Ottawa Area ISD. She was a friend and mentor. I have fond memories of her strong support for educational technology integration while working with Ricki at the OAISD and playing Euchre with Ricki as my partner at the REMC Summer Inservices. I recall the jewelry booths Sarah and Ricki had (and my wife and daughters still wear your homemade jewelry and scarves). Ricki did so much to support teachers and students in Michigan. She touched so many lives and leaves a legacy. Our prayers are with you and your family. Andy Mann and family

- Andy Mann

Dear Chuck and Sarah, Steve and I were so saddened to hear of Ricki's passing this week! Our long friendship is filled with memories that make us smile: your wedding that was patterned after ours, all the years you spent remodeling your home, fun shopping trips to hunt for bargain basement clothes items at a steal, joining you for meals at the campground and playing cards for hours with Kay and Mary! I will miss her so much and pray God's comfort for all of us. Peace and love, Paula Northrup

- Paula Northrup

I had the great pleasure of working with Ricki at the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District. She had tremendous energy, lots of ideas, and the determination to make things happen! Ricki provided tremendous support to media service staffs across the districts in the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District!. I pray for peace for Ricki's family and hope the memories of a life well lived will sustain them Dave Neifer

- Dave Neifer

I was so sorry to hear of Ricki's passing. It was my great joy to work with Ricki at the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District. Ricki was a bright, energetic, ambitious and awesome team member. It was my privilege to often be in meetings with Ricki and they were never dull when she was there! There seemed to be few new ideas that Ricki didn't like! Every thing she did, she did with gusto and usually a huge Diet Coke. Ricki added so much to the world of media services and education. I pray that her memories will sustain and comfort her family. Dave Neifer

- Dave Neifer

Prayers for you all.

- Janet Benard

Sorry to hear of Ricki passing. She is in Gods loving arms. Resting up until you all see her again. Hugs& love Ray& Jan Benard

- Janet Benard

Chuck, I don't believe we ever met, but I worked with Ricki for many years in the MACUL organization. Ricki was a phenomenal educator and an exemplary leader. As a person, she was warm and welcoming, just a lovely lady. I consider it an honor to have had her as a friend. My prayers are with you and your family at this time. My Blessings to you.

- Ren Baldwin

Chuck, so sorry to hear of your wife's passing. I remember her well from our riding days with you. May God give you peace during this time of sorrow. Take care Chuck.

- Bob &Patty Aasen

Chuck we are so sorry to hear of Ricki's passing. We enjoyed riding 4 wheelers with you both in AZ. Our prayers are with you.

- Joanne Kopp

I fondly remember Mrs. Chowning as the Kent City High School librarian. She was very sweet to me, and l know she will be missed. My prayers and condolences to her friends and family. ~Melody (Welsh) Parker

- Melody Parker

I have found memories of Mrs. Chowning as the Kent City High School librarian. She was sweet as could be to me, and l know she will be missed. My prayers and condolences to her friends and family. ~Melody Parker

- Melody Parker

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