Esther (Bond) Maginity

Esther Maginity, 91, of Thompsonville, died September 13, 2025, at Independence Village Assisted Living in Petoskey.

Esther was born on May 14, 1934, in Bear Lake, Michigan, the daughter of Frenchie and Pearl (Baird) Bond. She was raised in Beaula and attended high school in Benzonia along with her two sisters, Linda and Marian.

On February 4, 1961, she married the love of her life LaVerne Maginity. They raised two children together, Barry and Sherri, and spent 48 years happily married until LaVerne’s death in 2009.

Esther worked as a Secretary at Crystal Mountain Resort for over 30 years. She was a devoted member of the Eden Hill Bible Church. She also played piano at the former Beulah Wesleyan Church every Sunday for nearly 40 years. In her spare time, she enjoyed baking and cooking. She made friends easily and will be remembered for her lively and spunky personality.

 She is survived by her children, Barry (Lisa) Maginity of Boyne City, Michigan and Sherri Maginity of Brethren, Michigan; grandchildren Cliff Maginity (Andrea Taghon), Will Maginity, and Ava (Clayton) Ackley; and her sister Linda (Louis) Bennett. She is preceded in death by her husband; and sister Marian Pickard.

A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Donations in her memory are asked to be directed to Samaritan’s Purse (PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607). Arrangements are in the care of Stackus Funeral Home.