Marcia L. Ake

Marcia Louise Ake, 80, of Dowagiac, MI, passed away Monday, June, 17, 2013, at Memorial Hospital, South Bend, IN. Marcia was born February 18, 1933, in Grand Traverse County, MI, to Carl K. & Ruth M. (Harrigan) Weaver. On February 24, 1951, she married her late husband Hazen ‘Jim’ Ake, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Grand Traverse County, MI. Marcia worked for 38 years at Kroger Company, as a meat wrapper. Marcia is survived by her four children, Debra Louise (Larry) Cripe, of Edwardsburg, MI; Ruth Marie (Calvin) Knudson, of Granger, IN; Hazen Charles (Cynthia) Ake, of Niles, MI; Wincton Carl (Cheryl) Ake, of Niles, MI; four sisters, Carol Jean Ackels, of Ithaca, MI; Carolyn (Ralph) Beneke, of Niles, MI; Elaine Putney of Benzonia, MI; Catherine (Larry) Leckrone, of Copemish, MI; two brothers Maurice (Bonnie) Weaver, of Kingsley, MI; DuWayne (Jean) Weaver, of Traverse City, MI; 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her three parents, Carl K. & Ruth M. (Harrigan) Weaver, and Marguerite Weaver; her husband, Hazen ‘Jim’Ake; her brothers John & Samuel Weaver; and a sister Patricia ‘Pat’ Powelson.Marcia touched the lives of all who knew her by her deep faith which she displayed in every aspect of her life. She was devoted to God, her family and her friends. She was a loving, generous, caring and a compassionate person with a gentle spirit. A woman of faith, she enjoyed her daily devotions and prayer time. She was a longtime member of the Holy Maternity Choir, Monday Angels, and HALO (Hope and Love Outreach). She and her husband, Jim, shared a love of nature, spending time taking walks on their land, gardening, caring for animals and watching wildlife. She found great joy in her garden and after working in it she would sit and soak in its serenity and gaze at its beauty. She also was a great cook, accomplished baker and enjoyed sharing the fruits of her labor by baking for St. Paul’s Community and preparing and serving luncheons for her church. She collected cookbooks and had a multitude of recipes. She had a passion for decorating beautiful cakes that were unique for each special celebration. She loved arts and crafts and her home and garden were filled with lovely creations. Marcia believed in celebrating life and its special moments. She worked tirelessly to make events special for family members and created beautiful memories for everyone. She had a way of making each person feel special. She is so loved. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 A.M. Monday, June 24, 2013 at Holy Maternity Catholic Church, 210 N. Front St., Dowagiac, with Father Kevin Covert officiating. Visitation will take place Sunday, June 23, 2013 from 3 to 6:30 P.M. at Yazel-Clark Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, with the Rosary being said at 6:30 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial will follow on Tuesday, June, 25, 2013 at 1 P.M. at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens, 3575 Veterans Dr., Traverse City, MI. Memorials may be made to Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church. Those wishing to leave a memory of Marcia online may do so at www.yazel-clark.com.