Carolyn "Carol" (aka Grandma X) Mullennix

Carolyn "Carol" (aka Grandma X) York Mullennix, died after a short illness at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids on July 2, 2016 at age 76.

Carol is survived by her husband of 54 years, David Mullennix; her children, Diana (Greg) Hanna of Fremont; Cheryl (Mick) Hanna of Fremont; Sheila (Mel) Devall of Peoria, Illinois; Jim (Mary) Mullennix of Annapolis, Maryland; and Steven (Sally) Mullennix of Fremont; her grandchildren, Vanessa (Jason) Veach, Jared (Krisy) Hanna, Derrick Hanna, Hannah Hamilton, Maranda (Thad) Hofheinz, Brittani (Jack) Williams, Breanna Hanna, Daniel Hanna, Nathan (Samantha) Hanna, Katie (Josh) White, Deion Hanna, Dezmond Hanna, Brianna Hanna, Dustin Burwell, Jordan Devall, Hannah (Jason) Wagley, Rachel Devall, Meghan Mullennix, Matthew Mullennix, Micole (Mitch) DeJohn, Alyssa (Darryl Hambrock) Alviar, Alex Mullennix, Andon Mullennix, Jeremy (Amy) Balsley, Kim (Adam) Dake, and Cody Balsley; and 15 great grandchildren.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her brother, Leonard York; and her parents, Anna Katherine and Leonard York.

Carol was born in Syracuse, New York on May 21, 1940 to Anna Katherine (Bryan) York and Leonard Lockwood York. She grew up in North Muskegon and studied at Ferris State College. She married David Mullennix, previous owner of Dave’s Towing in Fremont, at a ceremony in Muskegon in 1962. Carol worked various jobs throughout the years, including working alongside Dave in the family business. Later, they moved to Fremont, eventually having 5 children. Her children and grandchildren remember her as a horse­loving, feisty, one–of­a­kind, defender of the underdog. She was a fearless defender of her family, which included more than just those people born into her family. She is also known for her eccentric and trend­setting headgear and clothing, fanny packs, and her strong political viewpoints.

Carol was a 4­H leader for 40 years, often holding meetings at her house. Her children and grandchildren were among those she taught. She is remembered by many former 4­Hers as being instrumental in teaching them horsemanship and shaping their lives. She served on numerous horse committees with the education of young people at the heart of her mission. She helped start the Handicapped Horseback Riding Program in Fremont. The Newaygo County Agricultural Fair will not be the same without her there with her red clipboard. She loved to trail ride and always seemed to need one more horse.

Carol had many other lesser known hobbies and skills. She was a talented artist and seamstress. She also loved to knit and crochet. There are fond memories of her red, white, and blue knit hat, the blankets she crocheted for her great grandchildren, and the wedding dresses and costumes she sewed.

Carol had a great sense of humor, often making jokes and was a good sport when the joke was on her. In fact, we think she might have enjoyed this hashtag: #inlieuofflowersdumptrump.

A time of remembrance is scheduled for Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Fremont Wesleyan Church’s Family Center from 5­-7 P.M. There will be another time of remembrance from 3-­4 P.M. on Sunday, July 10, 2016, at Fremont Wesleyan Church’s Sanctuary with a memorial service following at 4:00 P.M.  There will be food and fellowship following the service in the Family Center. Fremont Wesleyan Church is located at 918 Garden Avenue, Fremont, Michigan.  

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Newaygo County Agricultural Fair Association at 815 S. Stewart, Fremont, Michigan 49412 to be used to create a memorial to Carolyn. You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com.  Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont.

 Service Information