Marie Louise Williams' Obituary
Lakeview-Marie Louise Williams, age 85, of Lakeview passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Lakeview Terrace. She was born on June 10, 1939, in San Francisco, CA, the daughter of Willard and Amy (Bunselmeier) Sargent. Because of her father's employment with the US Army, Marie was raised in California, Washington, South Dakota, New Mexico, Nebraska, Germany, and Belgium. She graduated from high school in Beiber, CA with the Class of 1957. Marie joined the US Air Force, serving honorably as an administrative clerk for three years. While in the Air Force she met and married Fred Rager with whom she had 5 children. Marie continued her education at Oakland Community College earning an associate's degree in business administration. She went on to enjoy a rewarding career as a mortgage underwriter, first in the Detroit area and later with Chemical Bank in Grand Rapids, where she worked until her retirement in 2001.
Marie moved to Lakeview in 1995 with her late husband, Bob Pittsenbarger, seeking to be closer to her grandchildren and embrace the joys of lake life, including many hours fishing on Townline Lake. Sadly, Bob passed away in 2000, just as Marie was nearing retirement. After his passing, Marie purchased an RV and found solace in traveling with her sister, Jeanne, and the WIN group (a group of single RV enthusiasts) which brought her a sense of community and many adventures exploring the southwest United States. For several years she traveled in her RV during the winter months and happily welcomed family and friends who would visit her along the way creating treasured memories with those she loved.
In 2009, Marie was blessed to meet Alan Williams, a widower with a shared love of travel and a strong, unwavering faith. Their connection was instant, and they were married on September 12, 2009, at the Lutheran Church in Greenville. Together, they enjoyed a fulfilling life built on mutual respect, love, and a shared commitment to their families and faith.
Marie's passions included traveling, particularly her RV adventures and national parks, as well as sewing and cooking. A devoted member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lakeview, she was an active part of her faith community. Marie was independent and embodied strength and grace in everything she did. As a mother, she radiated warmth, kindness, and unwavering support of her children. She was a devoted wife and her faith was an inspiration to all who knew her-quiet, yet steadfast. Her presence was a gift, and her legacy one of love, faith, and service.
Marie will forever be missed and is survived by her husband, Alan Williams of Lakeview; 6 children, Christi (Arthur) Wise of Wilmette, IL, Cheryl (Dick) Woodward of Cedar Springs, Sally (Scott Taylor) Pittsenbarger of Ferndale, Erin (Mark) Ellison of Marquette, Lawrence (Lisa) Rager of Central Lake, Michael (Elizabeth) Rager of Hazel Park; 9 grandchildren, Cameron and Brooklyn Wise, Amy (Michael) Burke, Meredith (James) Bryde, Elise and Alexandra Heide, Madeline (Simon Alaxander-Adams) Rager, Jack (Lindsey) Rager, Nathan Rager; 4 great-grandchildren, Owen and Ethan Bryde, Caspian and Wesley Rager; sister, Jeanne Walter of Tucson, AZ; and former husband, Frederick (Joyce) Rager of Linden.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Amy; and husband, Robert Pittsenbarger.
A celebration of Marie's life will take place at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lakeview with Pastor Alex Sabol officiating. The family will greet friends from 12:00 PM until the time of service.
Those wishing to donate in Marie's memory are asked to consider Camp Arcadia at PO Box 229, Arcadia, MI 49613, camp-arcadia. com/give/ (note in memory of Marie Williams) or Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at 8890 Tamarack Rd, Lakeview, MI 48850. Condolences can be made by utilizing the guest book at www. brighamfuneralchapel. com
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