Margery J. Holben

On May 27 Margery J Holben, 89, of St. Joseph went to spend eternity with her heavenly Father. Margery was born May 22, 1917, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was married to Norman Holben on January 21, 1938. They met when they were students in the Music Department at Michigan State College. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 3, at 3:00 pm at Stevensville United Methodist Church with Pastor Gordon Barry officiating. Friends may meet the family at the church at 2:30. In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials be made to Stevensville United Methodist Church, Hospice of Kalamazoo, or a charity of your choice. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Margery is survived by her children, Ann (Fred) Schmaltz of Baroda, Larry (Muriel) Holben of St. Joseph, Sue (Michael) Callihan of Rockford, MI, nine grandchildren, Pam (Phil) Thompson of Kentwood, Michigan, Tris (Gerald) Vigansky of Stevensville, Jerry (Debbie) Schmaltz of Baroda, Michael (Kim) Schmaltz of Baroda, Miriam (Andy) Barbott of Stevensville, John (Kristen) Anderson-Bricker of Debuque, Iowa, Kim (Bob) Ebel of Rockford, Michigan, Scott Holben of St. Joseph, and Suzanne (Jason) Yonker of Stevensville, 18 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren. Her husband, Norman L Holben in 2004, her parents, her sister Sally Williams, and her daughter Barbara McAlvey in 1977 preceded her in death. Margery served as Berrien County PTA President, National Multiple Sclerosis Society Tri County Chapter President, 4-H Leader of Berrien County (Stevensville) as a sewing and knitting leader, and Monday Musical. Margery had a love for music and started piano lessons at a young age. Many piano students later benefited from her loving, patient, yet inspiring piano teaching. For 25 years Margery was the organist at Stevensville United Methodist Church. During the last few years of her life as resident of Caretel you would find her playing the piano for the enjoyment of the residents or playing piano duets with her long-time friend, Kay Nelson. Margery kept busy in her new home at Caretel either knitting, reading a book (she was a avid reader), watching her Cubs, or typing on her typewriter and enjoying her chocolate and Pepsi. Margery loved her family and especially loved when her grandchildren would visit her, or when she was able to go to their homes.To describe Margery’s character would be that she was a quiet, gentle lady, yet very strong. She continued to demonstrate these characteristics even in her last days as she struggled with the affects of a stroke. All of her family were very important to her, and she set an example of a godly woman not only to her family but also to those around her. She had a loving, nurturing spirit as experienced in the care giving provided to her husband and he daughter during their illnesses. She loved her God and served him well. Her family, friends, and staff at Caretel will greatly miss her. We rejoice that she is now making music in the presence of God for His glory.