Dolores "Dodie" Marshall

Loving and kind hearted, outgoing and fun loving, Dodie Marshall could always bring a smile to the faces of those around her. A dedicated volunteer and a compassionate nurse, Dodie was never happier than when helping others. Above all else, Dodie was a wife, mother, and grandmother, and devoted her life to caring for those she loved. Dodies kindness, faith, and joy in life will live on in the hearts and minds of all those whose lives she touched; she was deeply loved, and will be deeply missed. The 1930s were in many ways a somber decade, sandwiched between the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and World War II. For proud parents Kenneth and Lucille (Drushal) Kietzman, however, these difficult years were brightened by the birth of their twins, Dolores Dodie and Duane Bing. Dodie was born on the family farm in Leroy, Michigan, on October 24, 1934, and shared her birth year with the first Three Stooges movie, the turning point of the Depression, and the arrest of Bonnie and Clyde. Kenneth earned a living at Cadillac Casting Co., while Lucille worked at a local woodworking shop. The years sped by, and before she knew it Dodie had grown into a beautiful and intelligent young lady. She attended classes at Leroy High School, where she enjoyed playing clarinet in the school band. Her grades were excellent, and by the time graduation came in 1952, she had earned the rank of Class Valedictorian. After graduation, Dodie moved to Muskegon, Michigan, where she found a job at the Sealed Power office. Not long after moving to Muskegon, Dodie met a man named Howard Marshall, and it was love at first sight! The happy couple was married on April 14, 1956, after Howards safe return from the Korean War. Dodie and Howard settled into married life, and built a home for themselves on Horton Road in North Muskegon. Howard worked for Consumers Power, while Dodie sold Avon products. As the years went by, Dodie and Howard were blessed with three children, whom they named Susan, Bruce, and Marinell. Dodie was a wonderful homemaker, and famed for her wedding cakes, hors doeuvres, and molasses cookies. Later on, Dodie went back to school and earned her L.P.N. from Muskegon Community College in 1976. She worked primarily in nursing homes and private facilities, and was employed by Riverside Nursing Home for many years. In their free time, Dodie and Howard were both avid bowlers and snowmobilers. They enjoyed camping and fishing, and had a family tradition of going to Burger King after church every Sunday. Dodie was also active in the community, and belonged to the Muskegon Eagles. She was very close to the Eagles Womens Auxiliary, and participated on their drill team. A devout Lutheran, Dodie was also a long time member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church. As they grew older, Dodie and Howard moved several times, first to West Olive, Michigan, in 1980, and later to Ravenna, Michigan, in 1998. In 1992, they both retired, and set out to enjoy their golden years. They began to winter in balmy Florida, and enjoyed golfing, fishing, cruises, and bingo. Each Tuesday they visited the Ann Marie Oyster Bar, where they feasted on lobster tail and free margaritas. They also loved getting together with friends, especially close friends Joyce Liddle, Margaret Daughterly, and Don and Eldonna. Dodie was very close to all of her grandkids and great grandkids, and always looked forward to family gatherings. Closer to home, Dodie could often be spotted knitting, making beautiful jewelry items, and solving puzzles. Sadly, Dodies beloved companion Howard passed away in 2010. Dodie was devastated to lose Howard after 54 years of marriage, but drew great comfort from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Recently, Dodie moved to Manton, Michigan, where she lived with her daughter, Marinell. Friendly and outgoing, honest and kind hearted, Dodie was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her many friends and family members. Mrs. Dolores "Dodie" L. Marshall died on August 5, 2013, at the age of 78. Dodies family includes her son, Bruce (Karen) Marshall of West Olive; her daughters, Susan (Chris) Bouck of Kent City and Marinell (Mike) Praay of Manton; her grandchildren, Meghan, Troy, Angela, Brandy, Elizabeth, Danielle, and Shaun; 4 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard; and her twin brother, Duane "Bing." Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, with Rev. William Uetricht officiating. Interment will be at Laketon Township Cemetery. Friends may join the family for visitation from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 9, at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Foundation or the Alzheimer's Association. Please visit Dodies personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can learn more about her life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.