Edna Chrystelle King

Edna Chrystelle King (née Argo), age 92, of Warren, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 31, at Vista Springs of Washington, Michigan. She was born June 20, 1924, in Hickman, Kentucky, daughter of the late Thomas and Ora (née McCoy) Argo, and is pre-deceased by her devoted husband, Vayden. Edna was lovingly known by friends and family as “Nana” or “Chrys”. In fact, learning Chrystelle was not her birth name was a rite of passage for all of the grandchildren. After Chrys married Vayden in November of 1945, the couple welcomed son Thomas Allen and daughter Susan Argo to the world before leaving Kentucky for Warren, Michigan, where their family grew by one more with the addition of son Larry Neil. There, the happy family of five lived on MacArthur for over 40 years, a home never short on love, good food, and laughter. Chrys was a dedicated wife, mother, Girl Scout leader, election worker, expert laundress and chef, and all-around life of the party. Throughout the 1980s, Chrys and Vayden were active in the Kentuckians of Michigan organization and Bethel Methodist Church. One of Chrys’ favorite events was dancing the night away while drinking Pink Ladies at the Kentuckians’ annual New Year’s Eve bash. It was a night that Chrys could put on her strappy, sparkly heels and spend time with Vayden, who often worked irregular hours. At Bethel, Chrys loved working the rummage sales and welcoming new members. It was there that she and Vayden renewed their wedding vows for their 50th anniversary. Bethel was also where the couple met some of their best friends, resulting in many adventures across the United States in their retirement years. Chrys’ other passions included fishing and bowling. Chrys was delighted to receive a fiberglass bamboo-type fishing pole for a gift one year, greatly improving her fishing prowess, much to the dismay of fish all around Walpole Island. While most of her hobbies included Vayden or her children, there was one day a week that was just for her, and that was bowling day at Pastime Lanes. Her ball always seemed ten pounds too heavy for her tiny frame, but it didn’t stop her from throwing many strikes and a high game of 228, a score of which she recently boasted. In her declining years, Chrys was a resident of Pine Ridge of Plumbrook and the memory care unit of Vista Springs, where she was looked after by their loving staffs. While at Pine Ridge, she made many friends and became an avid fan of the Tigers and Lions, often lamenting she could do a better job coaching the teams herself. Of all her hobbies and activities, however, being a wife, mother, and Nana were most important to Chrys. She took great pride in the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Wherever we went with her, Chrys told everyone our life stories, all the while her eyes wide and tan face beaming. Chrys is survived by children Tom (Theresa) King, Susan (Gary Merigan) Heierman, and Larry (Kendell) King; four grandchildren, Monica (John) Brady, Neil (Elissa) King, Taylor King, and Woody King; and three great-grandchildren, Olivia, Vayden, and Atticus Brady. She will be interred next to Vayden in a private service at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a favorite charity in Chrystelle’s name.