MARIAN JOANN (RATZLAFF) EWERT

January 11, 1936 – January 9, 2017

Marian passed away peacefully in the early hours of January 9, 2017, after a short illness. Marian was a cheerful and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother. She created a warm and comfortable home for her family, where she welcomed guests with wonderful food and ambiance.

Marian was a native of Jansen, Nebraska but spentmost of her childhood in Salem, Oregon. She attended Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas, where she majored in Business Education and met her husband, Calvin Ewert, with whom she was married for more than 58 years. After teaching high school one year, Marian discovered library science, which gave her profound enjoyment. She worked in a high school library and went on to start two church libraries as a volunteer. Untold numbers of children and adults enjoyed the books she lovingly prepared and circulated through her work in libraries. She also had a career as a church secretary for 16 years, providing creative communication tools for members, a welcoming and friendly face to visitors, and a helpful voice to callers.

Marian is survived by her husband, Calvin Ewert of Lodi, CA, and two children, Janeen Suess (Rod) of Lodi, CA, and Donnell Ewert of Redding, CA. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Melanie Smith (Lawrence) of Fresno, CA, Emily Suess of Folsom, CA, Rebecca Ewert of Chicago, IL, Nathan Suess of Glasgow, Scotland, and Sarah Ewert, of Seattle, WA. She recently became a greatgrandmother to Jeremiah Smith of Fresno, CA in September, 2016. She is also survived by her eldest brother, Harlan Ratzlaff of Salem, Oregon. She is preceded in death by her parents, Isaac and Marie Ratzlaff, and her brother LaVern Ratzlaff.

Visitation will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, from noon to 4 pm on Friday, January 13, 2017.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Vinewood Community Church, 1900 W. Vine St., Lodi, CA at 11 am on Saturday, January 14, 2017. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Vinewood Community Church, library book fund.

Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/ guestbook.