Marcella Irene Thorson's Obituary
Marcella Irene Thorson, 82, of Big Rapids, passed away Saturday, May 18, 2013, at her daughter's residence in Chase. She was born March 2, 1931, in Martiny Township, the daughter of Harvey and Gladys (Smith) VanWestrienen, and lived in Big Rapids most of her life. Marcella worked for Wolverine World Wide, and more recently had worked in housekeeping at Mecosta County General Hospital for 15 years until retiring in 1991. She was a longtime member of the Third Avenue United Methodist Church. On May 27, 1950, she married Donald Thorson, who preceded her in death in 1991. Surviving are 1 daughter Gladys (Dennis) DePew of Chase; 2 grandsons, George (Stephanie) DePew and Donald (Courtney) DePew; 2 great-grandchildren, Daphne and Jeffrey; 6 sisters, Alice VanDerschuur of Wayland, Esther Watson of Florida, Wilma Holt of Big Rapids, Maxine (Elmer) VanAlstine of Big Rapids, Patricia Skipper of Florida, Gertrude (Paul) Ottobre of Big Rapids; a sister-in-law Grace VanWestrienen of Rodney; and many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by s sister Margaret Kirschbaum, 2 brothers, Kenneth and Jack VanWestrienen, and her special companion Kenneth Totten. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Ed Milam officiating. Burial will follow in the Pine Plains Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Heartland Home Hospice or the Third Avenue United Methodist Church may be left in care of the funeral home, where Marcella's family will greet friends after 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday until time of service.
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