M Marion Jefts' Obituary
? Big Rapids M. Marion Jefts, 88, of Big Rapids, joined her husband Glenn in heaven Saturday, March 12, 2011. She was born May 22, 1922 in Mecosta, the daughter of Carl and Blanche (Kirvan) Wilber, and graduated as class valedictorian from Mecosta High School in 1939. On June 12, 1940, She and Glenn L. Jefts eloped, and they made their home at Muddy Flats near Rodney. In 1945, the couple moved to Arizona, where they lived until returning to Big Rapids in 1953. They settled on the family farm in Colfax Township, where for many years they raised beef cattle and a variety of cash crops, including pickles for the Heinz Company. As a teenager, Marion worked at the telephone office in Mecosta that was owned by her father. She attended the Rodney United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School. For over 50 years, she has been an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids, serving on various committees. Marion served on the Morley- Stanwood Library Board for many years; served as Colfax Township Clerk for 15 years; was formerly secretary for the Mecosta County Farm Bureau and managed the food booth at the Mecosta County 4-H Fair; and was also active in the Clear Lake Farm Bureau and Clear Lake Community Club. Marion was a wise and insightful woman with a quick wit. She was an excellent bookkeeper and avid genealogist, researching the history of the Jefts, Wilber, and Bowman families. Marion had beautiful flower gardens gracing their yard, and a large vegetable garden and fruit trees from which she canned and froze produce. She was a talented seamstress, sewing many of her clothes and her childrens clothes. Following retirement, Glenn and Marion spent winters in Tucson, AZ, from 1982-2009, where Marion was a champion shuffleboard player. They traveled extensively throughout North America, and also enjoyed a little of Europe on their Mediterranean cruise. They also enjoyed attending the Buckley Old Engine Show, which over the years became a large family gathering. This past June, Marion and Glenn celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with a party at their home, complete with a band and many friends, neighbors, and family, highlighting their summer. Marion loved her children and grandchildren and taught them about their family history. Her grandchildren would gather around her as she told many "stories" from the past. She and Glenn tried to install in their children and grandchildren a good work ethic, honesty, integrity and respect for others They preached hard work and the importance of standing on your own two feet. Glenn preceded her in death on November 19, 2010. Marion is survived by their children, Larry (Louise) Jefts of Kunia, Hawaii, Duane (Cathy) Jefts of Lake St. Louis, Missouri, John (Cinda) Jefts of Stanwood, Paul (Denise) Jefts of Big Rapids; 16 grandchildren, Lisa (Michael) Edgar, Jonathan (Stefanie) Jefts, Laura (Tim) Canup, Joseph Jefts, Jennifer (Nathan) Byrd, Katie Jefts, Susan (Aaron) Felske, Jill (Ted) Patin, Brian Jefts, Karen Jefts, Carl (Tasia) Jefts, Lynne Jefts, Steven Kenward, Stacey (Tom) McAlarney, Taylor Reschka, Alaina Reschka; ten great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Thelma Wilber, Gloria (Kenneth) Anderson, all of Big Rapids, and Shirley Johnson of St. Joseph; plus many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, their daughter Carol Reschka, brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerald and Marge Wilber, Pierce Wilber, Peter and Gladys Katke, and Duane Johnson. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 17, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids, with Pastor Dean Prentiss officiating. Burial will follow in the Pine Plains Cemetery. Marions family will greet friends at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m., on Wednesday from 3-7 p.m., and at the church prior to services on Thursday. Memorial contributions may be made for the church, with envelopes available there or at the funeral home.
What’s your fondest memory of M?
What’s a lesson you learned from M?
Share a story where M's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with M you’ll never forget.
How did M make you smile?