MARRIN, GERTRUDE ELLIS

Gertrude Ellis Marrin, age 98, of Riverdale, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Masonic Pathways in Alma. She was born January 18, 1923 the daughter of Fred E. and Zaida (Strouts) Fea and was raised on the family farm in Sumner Township, rural Gratiot County. She attended Cedar Corners School and was a 1940 graduate of Alma High School. She adored her brother, Kenneth Fea and sister, Harriet (Don) Clark, who both preceded her in death. Gertrude married Laurence Marrin on March 29, 1941 and together they raised four children. Laurence preceded her in death in 1994. In 1963, Gertrude and Laurence left her family farm, moving to Holland, Michigan, where they resided nearly 30 years. She was a bank teller at First Michigan Bank in Holland for 17 years, before her retirement. She remained in Holland, until moving back to Gratiot County in 1999, living the rest of her life just a mile from the red brick house where she was born. Gertrude was a faithful and devoted member of both the Lincoln Road United Methodist Church and Holland United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School at both churches for many years. She authored many devotionals and poems. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ for church services. She truly was a prayer warrior, expressing her passion by maintaining the monthly prayer chain letter. She will be remembered as a woman of noble character with a quiet and gentle spirit. As a faithful wife, devoted mother and grandmother, her family loved spending time with her by their pool, riding horses and four-wheelers and playing games. One of her greatest joys was having her entire family together for their annual weekend, known as “Marrinfest.” Gertrude is survived by her children, Larry (Anne) Marrin of Riverdale, Marcia (Terry) Smith of Elwell, Sandy (Rod) Tubergen of Holland, Douglas (Tracy) Marrin of Dexter; nine grandchildren, Danette, Susan, Tami, Sharon, Mike, Dave, Steve, Larry C., Candice; 29 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 11 am at the Lincoln Road United Methodist Church with

follow in Riverside Cemetery, Alma. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 13th from 5-7 pm at Lux-moody-wolfel Funeral Home, Alma. Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to the Lincoln Road United Methodist Church or the Gratiot County Commission on Aging. To view Gertrude’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com