Erma Criner

Erma Burdine (Kennedy) Criner age 100, of Elsie, MI, passed away Tuesday, October 3, 2017, at Hospice House of Shiawassee County, Owosso, MI.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI, on Friday, October 6, 2017 at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Herb Wheelock officiating. Burial will take place at Ford Cemetery, Gratiot County, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2017 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.

Erma was born in Chapin Township, MI on November 15, 1916, the daughter of Chester and Elsie (Campell) Johnson.  She graduated from Elsie High School with the class of 1934.  She went on to earn her bachelors degree from Central Michigan University.

Erma married James R. Kennedy in 1937 and he passed away in 1977.  She later married Cal Criner in 1980 at Chapin United Methodist Church.  Cal passed away in 1992.

Erma was an Elementary School Teacher for 29 years; she spent most of her time teaching at Brady Elementary.  She enjoyed bird watching, playing cards, puzzles and traveling all over the world.  She was a lifelong member of the Chapin United Methodist Church, Chapin United Methodist Women's Group and the Association Retired School Personnel.

She is survived by her children; Kay McClelland of Racine, WI, James M. Kennedy of Fort Worth, TX, Paul and Gayle Kennedy of Parker, CO, step son Ron and Peg Criner of Davison, MI, step daughter Rita McDonald of Sanford, MI, 11 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 7 great great grandchildren, sister Edna (Hulbert) Meadows of Roscommon, MI, brother Frank Johnson of Elsie, MI, brother in law Paul Kennedy of Worthington, OH, niece Jane Morton of Beckley, WV, niece Carol Ussman of East Lansing, MI, nephew Robert Kennedy of Eaton Rapids, MI, niece Judy Young of Dallas, TX, niece Pat Kennedy of Siletz, OR, and nephew Jonathan Kennedy of Charleston, WV.  She was predeceased by her parents, husbands; James Kennedy and Calvin Criner, infant sister Nancy, son in law David McClelland, grandson Jeff McClelland, brother Cy Johnson, and sister Ellen Waggoner.

Memorials may be made to the Chapin United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI.