Sally Marie Bingham

Sally Marie (Kucinich) Bingham, of Schoolcraft, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the age of 79. She was born on August 19, 1947, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the daughter of Harriet (Beattie) Kucinich.

Sally was united in marriage to the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Larry Bingham, on November 27, 1965. Together, they shared 61 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, adventure, and family. As Larry worked as a farmer, Sally faithfully packed his lunches each day. The two enjoyed yearly gambling trips to Laughlin, Nevada, hunting for morel mushrooms and cooking their finds, playing cards, and spending time with their longtime friends in their "Bible Study" group. They also enjoyed riding motorcycles and taking long trips together. Friday nights often found them out and about, with Schnauzers of Schoolcraft among their favorite destinations.

Sally was creative and loved making things for the people around her. She enjoyed sewing clothes for her children and grandchildren, making baby blankets for family and members of the community, and creating Halloween costumes. She also made curtains and operated an embroidery business where she created custom pillows and blankets. Her creativity was always accompanied by a desire to make something special for someone she loved.

She also had a deep love for gardening and flowers, a passion she learned from her mother. 

Sally loved the beach and enjoyed collecting beach glass and Petoskey stones. Each year, she and Larry took their grandchildren on a beach vacation along Lake Michigan, creating memories that would become treasured by the entire family. One of Sally's most cherished experiences was staying at and caring for the grounds of St. Helena Lighthouse along Lake Michigan through the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association.

Sally loved being involved in the lives of her family and friends. She played women's softball and bowled in a local league, and she regularly gathered with friends for cards and lunch. 

She loved attending anything and everything involving her grandchildren, from sporting events and activities to theater performances and birthday parties. She also enjoyed an annual girls' shopping trip with her daughters and granddaughters, where she would affectionately remind everyone, "What happens in Michigan City, stays in Michigan City."

Her love for her family extended to the smallest details. Sally became her great-grandson's official barber, and he would call "Mema" to make his appointments, a special tradition that reflected the loving relationship they shared.

Throughout her life, Sally found fulfillment in helping others. She worked as a receptionist and salon assistant and previously served as an administrative assistant in both a law office and a police department. In her later years, however, her greatest and most meaningful role was caring for her mother, Harriet, and her dear friend Rena. She embraced that responsibility with patience, compassion, and devotion.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Harriet Kucinich and Anthony Kucinich.

Left to cherish her loving memory are her husband, Larry Bingham; her children, Christine (David) Kinderdine, Beth (Kenny) Skinner, and Sarah Gibbs; her grandchildren, Kaleb (Valery), Kristina, Robert, Madalynne, Samuel (Jill), Anthony, Oliver, and Wesley; her great-grandson, Declan; her siblings, Carol Daly and Jim (Margaret) Kucinich; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials in Sally's memory may be directed to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

In accordance with the family's wishes, a time of public visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Sally will be remembered for her creative hands, generous heart, love of family, and the countless ways she made life more special for the people around her. Above all, she cherished the life she built with Larry and the memories made with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Sally's guestbook and/or share a memory with her family.

The Bingham family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. 269-344-5600.