Marian E Peters

Marian Elizabeth Peters, 88, born in Benton Harbor, Michigan on January 20, 1930 to Hannah Grams (Klug) and Fred Grams is best described by faith, family and kindness. Marian and her two older sisters, Adeline Krieger and Evelyn Kolberg attended St. Matthews Lutheran Church and School and enjoyed dancing at Shadowland Ballroom. After graduating from Benton Harbor High School in 1947, Marian was employed by AAA where she worked for more than 40 years. On a blind-date, she met Lyle Miller who she married in 1951.  She and Lyle shared many good times raising their two daughters, Nancy (John) Johnson and Janet Sexton. They enjoyed their summer cottage on Hamlin Lake, square dancing, taking family trips, and making memories with Marian’s sisters, Lyle’s brothers and their families. Following the unexpected death of Lyle in 1983, she and a group of wonderfully supportive female friends from AAA, her high school days and new acquaintances shared many social and travel experiences.  In 1988, she married the second love of her life, Eugene Peters, at Grace Lutheran Church where they met.  Eugene’s family, Ben (Diane) Peters, Roberta (Paul) Knefelkamp, Eugene (Nancy) Peters, Bert (Kim) Peters, Barbara (Ken) Berry and their children welcomed her into the family. Many special times were spent at Golden Lake cottage in the UP, on RV adventures with family and friends, making holiday peppernuts and attending the growing list of graduations, weddings, and activities of grandchildren Rob (Cara) Rhodes, Steve (Erin) Sexton, Cheryl (Lee) Welsh, Bill (Nicole) Peters, Rob (Lacy) Peters, Beth (Tom) Jeffers, David Knefelkamp, Matthew (Meghan) Peters, Emily (Seth) Illich, Alex (Jonathan) Lee, Samantha Peters, Mike (Dee) Berry, Melissa (John) Leroy, Kim (Giuseppe) Macerata, their 22 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Marian and Gene shared 28 happy years together.  Marian briefly lived at The Whitcomb.  Following a recent change in health, she returned to her home, in the care of her daughters and hospice. She peacefully passed away at her home on October 31.  Marian was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, sister Evelyn, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in law. Visitation will take place at Starks Family Funeral Home 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph on Sunday, November 4 from 3-5 pm.  A Celebration of Life service will take place at Grace Lutheran Church, 404 East Glenlord Road, St. Joseph on Monday, November 5 at 11 am.  Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church or Trinity Lutheran Church of Glendora Radio Outreach Ministry.  Those wishing to sign Marian’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com.