Sandra K. Vining-Parker, 80, of Beaverton, died Saturday April 19, 2025 at Niche Aging Clare. She was born May 5, 1944, in Midland, MI the daughter of the late Arthur D. & Esther J. (Wild) Harsh.
Sandra was raised in Coleman Michigan graduating from Coleman High School. Sandra’s early travels included frequent trips to Des Moines Iowa to visit family and eventually across the Atlantic to London England. Where she resided for a time with her older sister. From London she moved to Bitburg Germany and in the process married her high school sweetheart, Lynn R. Vining, in Trier Germany.
Upon her return to the United States the family settled in Coleman, where she developed her talent for floral design among numerous other artistic endeavors. As the owner / operator of The Corner Room and Flower Shop she was an integral part of the local community. Lending her unique talents and well-developed sense of style to countless events. Including weddings, memorials, proms, holiday parties, dances and local parades. Eager to embrace a new challenge she extended her artistic creativity into local 4H leadership, designing and creating buzz in the traditionally non artistic space of horse barns.
Eventually in the early nineties she remarried Donald Parker and discovered a fresh application of her unique farm art by breeding and raising exotic birds. Utilizing their plums in artistic designs of every type. After a summer of traveling extensively in Southeast Alaska. She brought her love of the area back to the farm, faithfully recreating the look of the Kenai Peninsula out of longstanding storage sheds and barns.
Always eager and happy to spend time with adored little ones she was happiest surrounded by children of all ages, the beauty of flowers and animals of every type.
With her passing the world has quietly become a slightly less colorful place.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michigan Chapter of A Kid Again at https://akidagain.org/
Memorial Service to be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church 600 M-18 Gladin MI 48624, Wednesday May 21st at 11:00 AM.
Survivors include her son Scott & Amy Vining, grandchildren Colton, Kaden & Ashly. Brother Richard & Sue Harsh of Coleman, numerous nieces and nephews. Sandy was also preceded in death by her sisters Karen Schrieber and Roxy Brandon and husband Donald Parker.
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Sandra was raised in Coleman Michigan graduating from Coleman High School. Sandra’s early travels included frequent trips to Des Moines Iowa to visit family and eventually across the Atlantic to London England. Where she resided for a time with her older sister. From London she moved to Bitburg Germany and in the process married her high school sweetheart, Lynn R. Vining, in Trier Germany.
Upon her return to the United States the family settled in Coleman, where she developed her talent for floral design among numerous other artistic endeavors. As the owner / operator of The Corner Room and Flower Shop she was an integral part of the local community. Lending her unique talents and well-developed sense of style to countless events. Including weddings, memorials, proms, holiday parties, dances and local parades. Eager to embrace a new challenge she extended her artistic creativity into local 4H leadership, designing and creating buzz in the traditionally non artistic space of horse barns.
Eventually in the early nineties she remarried Donald Parker and discovered a fresh application of her unique farm art by breeding and raising exotic birds. Utilizing their plums in artistic designs of every type. After a summer of traveling extensively in Southeast Alaska. She brought her love of the area back to the farm, faithfully recreating the look of the Kenai Peninsula out of longstanding storage sheds and barns.
Always eager and happy to spend time with adored little ones she was happiest surrounded by children of all ages, the beauty of flowers and animals of every type.
With her passing the world has quietly become a slightly less colorful place.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michigan Chapter of A Kid Again at https://akidagain.org/
Memorial Service to be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church 600 M-18 Gladin MI 48624, Wednesday May 21st at 11:00 AM.
Survivors include her son Scott & Amy Vining, grandchildren Colton, Kaden & Ashly. Brother Richard & Sue Harsh of Coleman, numerous nieces and nephews. Sandy was also preceded in death by her sisters Karen Schrieber and Roxy Brandon and husband Donald Parker.
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