Carol \"Bunny\" Jenkins

Carol Lee \"Bunny\" Jenkins, 79, of St. Ignace, passed away Thursday evening, February 6, 2014, at Mackinac Straits Health System in St. Ignace. She was born November 29, 1934, to William and Veronica (nee Batty) Anderson in Detroit. As a young adult, Mrs. Jenkins was an accomplished swimmer and diver. She studied ballet, and enjoyed sports and social activities. While taking college classes at Wayne State University, she spent two memorable summers working on the SS South American Great Lakes cruise ship. She married Russel Franz in 1954, in Detroit. Although their marriage ended in 1968, she remained friends with him until his death in 2004. She married Bill Jenkins in 1969, and with her five children moved north to Brevort, where her love affair with the Upper Peninsula began, and where her sixth child, Dean, was born in 1972. Mrs. Jenkins loved the outdoors, and quickly involved her family in the adventures of the north. Her children have many fond memories of snowmobiling, skiing, and swimming outings. A skilled writer, Mrs. Jenkins enjoyed several years of producing the Brevort news column for The St. Ignace News. She and her husband, Bill, owned and operated B & B Gifts in Brevort, until closing the business in the early 1980s, and their marriage ended in 1984. She worked many years as the executive director of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Tourist Association, and loved promoting tourism and business for the area. One of her favorite projects was assisting with the development and eventual building of the Sand Dunes Ski Trails cross-country ski system, which she enthusiastically used, until health issues ended her skiing days. Diagnosed with lupus in her late 50s, Mrs. Jenkins became an avid supporter and fundraiser of the Lupus Foundation of America. She participated in the annual Lupus Walk in Petoskey for as long as her health allowed. She was also a longtime advocate and volunteer for Hiawatha Behavioral Health, serving on different committees and on the board throughout the years. She was a gentle, kindhearted soul with a strong faith, family members said. She was much sought out by family and friends for her patient listening ear and, when asked, thoughtful and wise advice. She was nonjudgmental, and taught by example how to always look on the positive side of things. Mrs. Jenkins loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she enjoyed nothing more than having a house full of family and days filled with music, stories, and games. She was a devoted Detroit TigersShe is survived by six children and their families, Cheryl and Jim Schlehuber of St. Ignace, Wendy Franz and Gary Thompson of Midland, Scott and Sallie Franz of Watertown, Connecticut, Brook Franz of St. Ignace, Russel Franz and Jayne Lamoreaux of Traverse City, and Dean Jenkins of Caro; two stepdaughters and their families, Debbie Jenkins and Kathleen Jenkins; nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her only sibling, a sister and her family, Janet Arzooyan of Plymouth, and two cats. A memorial and celebration of her life is planned for Memorial Day weekend in St. Ignace. Dodson Funeral Home of St. Ignace assisted the family with arrangements.

Tributes

Carol \"Bunny\" Jenkins

February 6, 2014