Gretchen Elizabeth Robinson Mariage. 91. of Rapid City, passed away on Sat., Oct. 19. 2002. at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center, Long Term Care, in Kalkaska. She was born on May 23, 1911, in Bellaire, the daughter of William and Louise (Kettler) Robinson.
Gretchen graduated from Bellaire High School in 1929. On Dec. 25. 1929, she married George Mariage in Rapid City and lived all her married years there. She and George operated a general store in Rapid City until they retired in 1968.
The Mariage home was always bursting at the seams with "six kids of their own and half dozen of someone else's." Children just naturally gravitated to her. She was a great mom, grandma and "nurse." Gretchen kept her bright smile and optimistic outlook even though she suffered a stroke in June of 1997. She enjoyed family and was an outstanding cook. Gretchen had a great sense of humor and a remarkable memory to the very end. Her greatest pleasures in life were her children. grandchildren and friends.
Mrs. Mariage leaves to mourn her passing her children, Joseph (Norma) Mariage, Virginia (Neil) Lee, Gloria (Ron) Cox, all of Rapid City, and Tracy (Sandra) Mariage of Acme; 13 grandchildren; one step-grandchild; 17 great- grandchildren; one step great-grandchild; brothers William (Stick) Robinson of Clam River and Ford (Alberta) Robinson of Rapid City; a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and cherished friends.
Mrs. Mariage was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, George, in November, 1972; her youngest son, George II, in 1978; her youngest daughter, Sally Anne Krepner Vedder, in 1989; sisters Elinora Eiserman and Leora Bailey; half-sister, Betty Trevan, and half brother, Howard Thomas.
A celebration of life honoring this great lady will be held Thurs., Oct. 24 at 11 a.m. At Wolfe Funeral Home with the Rev. Timothy Hall of the Rapid City Church of Christ officiating. Visitation will be Wed., Oct. 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home Interment will be a Clearwater Township Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the Rapid City Church of Christ.
Arrangements were made by Wolfe Funeral Home, Kalkaska.
