HANKERD, Kindell Marie, 44, died unexpectedly March 20th, 2010 with her family by her side at Hurley Hospital in Flint, MI.

Funeral service will be held 11am Thursday, March 25, 2010 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Father Paul Schwermer officiating. Visitation 2-4pm and 6-8pm Wednesday at the funeral home. Per Kindell’s wishes, cremation will take place following the service.  Those desiring may make contributions to the family to set up a scholarship fund for her children.

Kindell was born August 24, 1965 in Flint, MI to Robert and Marilyn (Williams) Ames and graduated from Swartz Creek High School in 1983. She met and married Thomas Hankerd in 1985; she followed him to Norfolk, VA while he was stationed in the Navy.  After Tom’s tour was complete, they returned to Lansing, MI where in 1995 they were blessed with the birth of their first child, Lauren Kelly Hankerd.  In 2008, their family grew with the adoption of two sons Skylar and McKale Hankerd. Kindell’s greatest joy was her family. She was immensely proud of her children and loved nothing more than being a wife and fulltime mother. Kindell was also heavily involved in the support of the Davison Area Community Schools and volunteered her time willingly.

Kindell is survived by her loving husband and best friend of 25 years, Thomas, daughter Lauren (14), sons Skylar (8) and McKale (7), mother Marilyn Ames (friend Debbie), brother Michael (Kim) Ames, Father and Mother-in-law Pat and Mary Hankerd, Brother-in-laws Tim (Gina) Hankerd, Jim (Kim) Hankerd, John (Sue) Hankerd, Jeff Hankerd, Uncles William Bassett, James (Lori)Williams, David Williams, Aunts Phyllis Ames, Kathie Wayland, Joanne (Al) Fountain, Carol (Dick) Corrion, Lisa (Jim) Bohmier, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Ames, Grandparents Cecil and Elsie Ames, Herb and Eunice Williams, Aunts Shelva Bassett and Jenny Ames, Uncles Arvid (Moose) Ames, Duane Ames, Roger Wayland and Brother-in-law Ted Hankerd.

Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s rush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds of circling flight. I am the soft star that shines at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry.  I am not there. I did not die – Mary Elizabeth Frye

The family would like to thank the Hurley Hospital ER and ICU Staff for the wonderful and dedicated care given Kindell.   
Kindell touched the hearts of everyone she met. We are all better people for knowing her. Heaven has a new Angel (in charge).