Dr. Lynne M Haley

Dr. Lynne M. Haley, D.D.S. passed away on June 1, 2023, at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.  She was born on July 30, 1945, in Ferndale, MI.  She is survived by her sister, Suzanne Haley of Detroit, her “wicked” stepdaughter, Sybil Johnson of Cranston, RI, cousins, Katie (Brock) Plumb and Hannah Shook, CO, her niece Julie Beach-Mascia of Winter Springs, FL, her nephew, David (Tanya) Beach of Orlando, FL, and many great nieces and nephews.  She also leaves behind her much-adored rescue Dog, Wilma.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Harold (Bud) Haley and Marjory (Doris) Haley, her Aunt Pat Montee and Uncle Walt Montee of Pensacola, FL, and Uncle Allen Smith of Detroit.

She lost the love of her life, her beloved husband of 42 years, Ben Johnson in 2019.  Lynne and Ben led a full and varied life together, especially after making their home in Marshall over 40 years ago.  They enjoyed traveling; a hiking tour in England, exploring the ruins in Greece and Rome, Alaska, river cruising through Russia, Sweden and a favorite… New Zealand.  They even enjoyed navigating to the Bahamas on their little sailboat, the “Golden Fleece” and back safely in South Haven!

While they loved exploring the world, they most loved exploring the local area, hiking with their (many) dogs, kayaking, and golfing.  They enjoyed so many of the rich artistic and cultural events thriving in the Marshall/Battle Creek area.  They were top notch!

Lynne was very proud to be an alumna of the University of Michigan!  She has been a trailblazer from the start… she was one of FIVE Women in her dental school class.  When she opened her dental practice, she refurbished an old building built in the 1860’s. It is listed on the National Register of Historic places.

Lynne developed many lifelong friends many whom she met in her practice… especially the core group known as the FAB FIVE.  A group of dedicated, strong, supportive, and FUN women!  They shared many of life’s ups and downs and so many laughs. Her friends were extremely important to her.

Lynne was actively involved with SO MANY community groups throughout the years.  We may have missed some… apologies if we did!  *Marshall Public School Board *Battle Creek Urban League *League of Women Voters  *Women’s Philanthropic Circle *Workforce Development *American Association of University Women *Marshall Community Fund *Michigan WORKS  *Ordained Clergy of Universal Life Church and the *Michigan Democratic Party.

She was recognized with the following awards: ATHENA AWARD, 1993, which honors individuals who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment and opens doors so that others may follow. MICHIGAN WORKS, 2013, for distinguished services and commitment to excellence and the BATTLE CREEK URBAN LEAGUE, a lifetime membership.

Lynne was always working for the betterment of her community.  To that end, she launched a bid to serve as a state representative in Lansing. She campaigned the “old school” way by canvassing door to door, speaking and listening to the voters. She would have been a champion for all had she had been given the chance to serve!

We ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Marshall Community Foundation, a cause she and Ben loved to support so very much.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 25 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at The Medalist Grille 15701 N Drive North Marshall, Michigan 49068, a place she loved dearly.  Friends are welcome to gather to remember her at that time.

Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068.  Please visit www.//kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the online guestbook, or to leave the family condolences.