BINGHAM TOWNSHIP – Dessie “GG” C. Kinney, 98, of Bingham Township passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Dessie was born on May 8, 1926, in Royalton, Ohio, the daughter of Orley and Myrtle (Hall) McClelland. Her mother passed away just 11 days after her birth and she was raised by her uncle and aunt, Charles and Orpha McClelland. On May 19, 1945, at the North Reading Baptist Church in Reading, MI, she married the love of her life, Howard James Kinney, who preceded her in death on December 1, 2000.

As a devoted young wife and mother, Dessie worked alongside Howard on their family farm, often found driving the tractor. She lovingly raised four children and, in her later years, moved north to live with her granddaughter Amanda and her husband David. For 21 cherished years, she played an instrumental role in raising her great-grandchildren, Emma, Liam, Addi, and Bryn, who affectionately called her “GG.”

GG was a steadfast presence at her great-grandchildren’s sporting events at Leland Public Schools, always cheering them on with pride. She adored being outdoors, whether walking, spotting deer, or watching birds at the feeder from the kitchen table. Her combination of toughness and sweetness endeared her to all who knew her.

A beloved member of the community, Dessie was a fixture, with her great-grandchildren, at the Leelanau Children’s Center, where she attended the weekly music circle. Children flocked to her lap, and “GG” became a name of endearment not just within her family but for countless little ones.

Dessie is survived by her children, Jerry (Suzanne) Kinney and Lois Kinney; her grandchildren Amanda (David) Waskiewicz, Scott (Durae) Kinney, Tim Kinney, Jennifer (Kinney) Ivey, and Jeff Kinney; her greatgrandchildren Alexander, Alyssa, Mia, Reece, Emma, Liam, Addi, and Bryn; and her daughter-in-law, Eileen Kinney and sister-in-law Eloise Kinney.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, Howard; her parents; her siblings Marie (McClelland) White, Dorothy (McClelland) Marsh, George (McClelland) Hollenbaugh, and Paul (McClelland) Rodesiler; her brother-inlaw Charles Kinney; her children James Howard Kinney and Jo Elaine Kinney; and her granddaughter-in-law Dr. Shana Weber.

Cremation has taken place, and private family services have been held.

Please share condolences with the family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.