Marian Schindler

Marian Ruth Schindler, 80, of Stevensville went to be with the Lord on Tuesday April 6, 2010 at home following a long illness. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, April 10, 2010 at Lakeshore Baptist Church, 5411 Cleveland Ave., Stevensville, MI with Rev. Duane Anderson officiating. Private burial will take place. Friends may call Friday from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road., St. Joseph. Memorials can be made to the John Schindler Ministries, SWMC Foundation (ELWA Hospital Operating Room Project), or REAP. Friends wishing to leave a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Marian was born on May 31, 1929 to John and Elizabeth (Byler) Wilson. A loving wife, mother and friend, she had a deep love for the Lord and was a consistent Christ-like example to all she met. Her greatest joy in this life was her family. Marian and her husband Dr. Robert Schindler enjoyed an unusually close and wonderful marriage. The Schindlers were a definite team. She most enjoyed assisting her husband in their various ministries and life together. Her two sons Bob, Jr. and John were also the source of much of her love, encouragement and affection. Marian graduated from Egan High School in Egan, SD and Taylor University in Upland, IN (B.A. in Christian Education). She also completed one year at the New York University Graduate School pursuing a master's degree in education. The Schindlers served the Lord as missionaries from 1962 to 1975 with the then Sudan Interior Mission in Liberia, West Africa. Along with her husband they founded the ELWA Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia. Mrs. Schindler worked as the secretary for her physician husband and also was the architect of the hospital. Former Liberian President William V.S. Tubman decorated both Dr. and Mrs. Schindler for their missionary service at the hospital. Marian was decorated Knight Official of the Humane Order of African Redemption. Mrs. and Dr. Schindler authored two books, Mission Possible (A History of Modern Missions) and Following the Great Physician (A History of the Christian Medical and Dental Association). She was a gifted artist who enjoyed occasionally painting. Marian also enjoyed golfing with her husband and her son John. Locally, she was active in her church, Lakeshore Baptist Church, the Christian Women's Clubs and Bible Study Fellowship. Mrs. Schindler also served for several years as a founding board member of the local Council for the Christian Arts. Marian is survived by her sons John and Robert S. Schindler Jr. of Stevensville. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Schindler, parents John and Elizabeth Wilson, sisters Margaret Smith, Ione Sinkbeil, and Lois King.