Cristeen Ann Causey

1940 - 2025

Cristeen Ann (Schoening) Causey was born in Kalamazoo, MI, on February 24, 1940, the beloved second daughter of Raymond H. and Gertrude E. (Rutz) Schoening. Barbara K. (Schoening) Slagel, her equally beloved elder sister, had arrived just a few years earlier. The unusual spelling of Cris's name was a mixed blessing. Named for paternal grandmother, Christina, Cris's scientist dad thought he was doing her a favor by using a "sensible" phonetic spelling, but she would ruefully tell you it created multiple misadventures over the course of her lifetime instead.
Cris grew up in the countryside where her family plus aunts, uncles, cousins and maternal grandmother lived all in a row. Hearing her tell about it sounded like a Norman Rockwell come to life - walking to the one-room school where she was the playground marbles champion; harvesting apples from the family orchard; tobogganing and skating in winter; picnics and trips to the beach in summer; holidays and birthdays with extended family all around.
Cris graduated from Kalamazoo's Central High School in 1958 and took the train that fall to Ann Arbor to join sister Barb, who was already enrolled at the University of Michigan, eventually also becoming a resident of Martha Cook, the women's honor dorm. She graduated in 1962 with a degree in Elementary Education, although her preference would have been art. Cris taught fourth grade at West Main Elementary School in Kalamazoo.
Cris married the love of her life, James M. Causey, also of Kalamazoo, on June 20, 1965. Their introduction is the stuff of family legend. Cris demurred when her maiden aunt wanted her to "meet the nice young man" whose desk was near hers at the bank downtown. Demurred in fact so many times that a plot was hatched. Aunt Norma arranged a lunch date with Cris, then conveniently was "detained," allowing her plenty of time to chat with the "nice young man" while she waited. Within weeks, they were inseparable, and that lasted for more than 60 years.
Several years after they married, the Causeys traded Kalamazoo for first South Bend, then Plymouth, IN, where they settled in 1975. By now they were accompanied by two children, Sandra D. (Garrison) and J. Michael. Jim opened Plymouth Family Realty on the town's main street; after a few years, Cris joined him as an associate broker. Later, Jim became an agent for The Equitable, and Cris opened a store. However, she would be inclined to tell you that one of her favorite work experiences came much later, partnering with her daughter in an arts-based business, a passion they both shared. 
The Causeys were long-time members of the First United Methodist Church where Cris served on several committees. She was a room mother, scout leader, and also a member of the American Association of University Women, the Marshall County Blueberry Board and the Marshall County Housing Authority. Cris also loved the Red Hat Society, her book club and volunteering at the Marshall County Historical Society. She was also a life-long member of the Secret Club. If you know, you know.
In retirement, Jim and Cris loved to travel, visiting Europe, Asia and Africa, as well as many places stateside. Cris loved to garden, do handwork, spoil the family dog, Sam, and read. Over time, she had been thrilled to welcome son-in-law, Robert L. and daughter-in-law, Anne M. (Sullivan), as well as four grandchildren - Jackson L. Garrison and Hannah F., Nathan M. and Rebecca F. Causey, all of whom were dearly loved.
Cris will be well-remembered as a person of great compassion, a loyal friend and a champion of her adopted hometown, Plymouth. She was also a daughter, wife, mother and grandmother few could equal.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 22, at the First United Methodist Church in Plymouth, 400 N. Michigan St., 574-936-2943. Visitation will be in the church's lobby from 1 to 2 pm; a brief service in the sanctuary from 2-3 pm; a reception in the Fellowship Hall next door from 3-4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Cris's name to the Neighborhood Center, 201 N. Plum St., Plymouth, IN 46563, or the Marshall County Historical Society, 123 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN 46563.
Palmer Funeral Home – Plymouth Chapel is honored to be assisting the family with final arrangements.