Marlene Case, 75

Marlene L. Case, 75, of Three Rivers, and a former resident of Sturgis, joined Jesus in heaven Saturday evening, Jan. 14, 2012, at her home, with her family and friends at her side.

She was born Nov. 27, 1937, in Kalamazoo, a daughter of the late Elmer and Mary Etta (Armour) Cox.

Marlene had resided in Three Rivers for the past 10 years, coming from Sturgis. Her early life was spent in the Athens area, and she was a graduate of Athens High School with the class of 1955.

On July 16, 1955, she married Gerald Case at the Congregational Church in Leroy Township.

Marlene had been employed by Kirsch Company in Sturgis and for many years by Sturgis Public Schools in the food services department. She also enjoyed caring for residents in area nursing homes. Marlene’s love of her grandchildren and the active role she played in raising them will never be forgotten.

She enjoyed word search puzzles, reading and loved time spent with her family.

Marlene is survived by her loving and dedicated husband of 56 years, Gerald; two sons, Dennis (his fiancée Kay) Case and Robert (Linda) Case; four grandchildren, Joseph, Nicholas, Tara and Kristy; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Margaret Simpson; and two brothers, Rex Cox and Roy Cox.

The family will receive friends from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, and 11-11:45 a.m. Thursday at Colon Church of Christ, 107 Broadway, Colon.

Funeral services celebrating the life of Marlene L. Case will begin at noon Thursday at the church. The Rev. David Porter will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Congregational Cemetery in Leroy Township.

Memorial donations to the family would be appreciated, c/o: Gerald Case, 612 14th St., #85, Three Rivers, MI 49093.

Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.