Mary Ellen Aves

Mary Ellen Aves (Claflin) Lansing Mary Ellen Aves (Claflin), of Delta Twp., born May 8, 1932, passed away May 8, 2010. Mary was adopted by Alfred and Mable (Jenkins) Claflin at age 6, who gave her all the love a child could want. Her birth parents were Garrett and Esther McKrill. She was preceeded in death by her parents; brother, Robert Claflin; and son-in-law, Darwin Pettit. She married her Sexton High School sweetheart Laverne Aves in November 1951. They were blessed with 58 years together. Her life work was advocating and working with Special Needs Citizens. Mary enjoyed a trip to Scotland to see her family's castle followed by a trip to Finland to meet her lifelong pen pal for the first time. She is survived by her husband, Laverne; children: Susan Pettit and friend Patrick Outman, Diane (Steve) Peake, Burton Aves, Janet Aves, and sister, Nancy McKenzie; grandchildren: William Pettit, Renee (Craig) Rice, Jennifer Peake, Stacy Peake and friend Brandley Lantrip, Kelly (Gary) Langin, Val Luka and Emily Aves; great-grandchildren: Jared Knight, Makell Thomas and Olivia Langin. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 7533 W. St. Joseph Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917, with Rev. Rae Franke officiating. Interment will follow at Delta Center Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Peters & Murray Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Memorials may be made to McLaren Hospice, Chosen Vision Inc., or charity of choice. Online condolences may be made at www.petersandmurrayfuneralhome.com.