Virginia Guiter was an extraordinary woman, remembered for her boundless energy and profound love for life. Whether she was immersed in her work, devoted to raising her daughters, practicing her faith, or showering her grandchildren with affection, Virginia approached every aspect of her life with wholehearted commitment.
Born in 1923, Virginia entered a rapidly changing America. Cities buzzed with industrial growth, while the echoes of World War I still lingered. However, not all Americans were swept up in this industrial wave. Many, like Daniel Coleman and his wife, Clarisa (Manon), of Kalamazoo, Michigan, maintained a life rooted in farming, away from the frenetic pace of factories. Daniel, a third-generation farmer, managed the Centennial Farm in Oshtemo on 4th Street. Clarisa balanced her time between assisting her husband in the fields and caring for their three daughters: Marjorie, Ruth, and Phyllis. In the summer of 1923, Daniel and Clarisa welcomed Virginia, their fourth daughter, born at Bronson Hospital on July 19th. The Coleman family expanded further with the arrival of their youngest daughter, Barbara, completing their family of five girls.
Growing up on the farm, Virginia and her sisters were active and spirited, embracing the outdoor life and the responsibilities of farm work. This upbringing instilled in Virginia practical skills and a strong work ethic that would serve her well throughout her married life. Shortly after graduating from Mattawan High School, Virginia married Kenneth Guiter, her high school sweetheart. Their connection sparked at a school dance, and after a year of dating, they exchanged vows in a ceremony officiated by a Justice of the Peace in August 1941. A year later, the couple celebrated the birth of their first daughter, Barbara, followed by their second daughter, Karen, in 1949.
Mirroring her mother’s life, Virginia became a dedicated farmer’s wife, working alongside Kenneth in their grape vineyards and tending to their dairy cows. She was known for her tireless work ethic and constant motion, yet she always ensured her family had three meals on the table each day. Beyond farm duties and housework, Virginia cultivated a large garden, providing food for her family, preserving produce for the future, and selling surplus at a roadside stand. The income from her produce stand was dedicated to purchasing clothes for her daughters. Virginia’s ability to manage so much was a powerful testament to her unwavering dedication to her family’s well-being.
The Guiter family moved a few times initially before settling on a farm in Mattawan on Q Avenue, which became the family home where Virginia and Ken raised their daughters. Over time, Virginia and Ken developed a shared passion for horses, although Virginia held a special affection for her donkey, affectionately named “Duz.” Ken’s involvement with the Sheriff Posse led them to travel throughout the region for Sunday shows and gatherings. Later, they acquired three matching sets of “pulling ponies” and became active members of the National Pony Pulling Association. They found joy in training their ponies and participating in local “stone bolts” pulling competitions, earning numerous trophies for achieving the longest pulls.
In 1959, Virginia expanded her horizons beyond the farm, taking a job at Bresson’s Bakery in Kalamazoo, a business owned by members of her family. She began as a waitress at their Southland Mall location and demonstrated her aptitude by advancing to the position of manager. In the late 1960s, Virginia and Ken made the decision to leave farming and relocate to Hudsonville, where Ken accepted a position as store manager at Farm and Fleet. Tragically, Ken passed away a few years later in 1974. Following his death, Virginia returned to Kalamazoo and established a home at 1330 Bretton Drive. Characteristically unable to remain idle, she embarked on a new chapter, working various retail positions at Maple Hill Mall, including Beverly’s and Sciferts, where she served as manager until her retirement in 1985.
Virginia thrived on activity and purpose. She was known for her meticulous approach to cleanliness, whether on the farm or in her home, and was also an exceptional cook. Her family particularly cherished her roast beef dinners and lasagna. Sunday gatherings at Virginia’s home were a cherished tradition, with family members coming together to relax, share meals, and enjoy each other’s company. In her moments of personal relaxation, Virginia enjoyed bird watching and pursued hobbies such as refinishing woodwork and creating crafts and Christmas decorations. She also had a keen interest in word puzzles and was an accomplished “Queen Bee.” Her favorite television programs reflected her interests in country living and included shows like Gun Smoke, Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie, and Walker Texas Ranger, particularly those featuring horses and rural themes.
Virginia’s values were not centered on material possessions but rather on life’s simple joys, like the convenience of indoor plumbing, which she famously celebrated with a party upon its installation in their home. Above all, Virginia’s love for her family was paramount, and she would selflessly do anything for them. Her three grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Gram,” were a source of immense joy in her life, and she delighted in spoiling them. For a period, Virginia shared her home with her daughter Barbara and grandson, Barry, until Barbara’s passing in 2000. During this time, Virginia and Barry developed a deep and comforting bond, providing mutual support through a difficult period.
While Virginia was known for her determined nature and preference for doing things her way, it was her loving and kind heart that her family will remember most. Her family was the focal point of her world, and she consistently prioritized their needs above her own. She was a compassionate listener and always made time for her family, asking nothing in return. Humorously, a magnet on her refrigerator read “Broom Parking – 1 hour,” reflecting her self-proclaimed role as a benevolent “witch” with strong intuition. Virginia was a spiritual woman, and while she didn’t overtly express her faith, it was evident in the way she lived her life. Raised Baptist, she attended the Methodist church with her husband.
In the year preceding her passing, Virginia’s health began to decline, and she experienced several health issues, including Congestive Heart Failure. She moved to the Springs at Bronson Place, where she received continuous care until her death.
Virginia C. Guiter, age 82, of Kalamazoo, MI, passed away on April 27, 2006, at the Springs at Bronson Place. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, her daughter, Barbara Guiter, in 2000, and her four sisters: Marjorie Bresson, Ruth Hubbard, Phyllis Randall, and Barbara Knobloch. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Doll of Lehigh Acres, FL; three grandchildren: Barry Guiter of Kalamazoo, Scott Sutton of Kalamazoo, and Gary Sutton of Lehigh Acres, FL; two great-grandchildren: Kelcie and Caleb Sutton; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
To learn more about Virginia’s life, view her Life Story Film, and join her family for visitation on Tuesday, May 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a service to celebrate her life at 1:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home – Betzler, 6080 Stadium Drive in Kalamazoo (375-2900). Visit Virginia’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com to view her Life Story Digital Film, sign the guestbook, share personal memories, or make a memorial contribution to a charity of choice.
