Marjorie Ann Van Tine

Marjorie Van Tine was a very special lady - completely devoted to her family and her faith. A loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother, Marjorie gave selflessly to enrich the lives of her loved ones, caring for them in times of need and celebrating with them in times of joy. She was also a woman with a love for her church and a deep faith in God, and she devoted her life to passing these values onto her family. 1939 was a tumultuous year for many worldwide. After enjoying an all too brief period of peace following World War I, many watched in terror as Germany invaded Poland, thrusting the globe into World War II. For Theodore and Edith (Beitler) Patrick, they were especially happy and proud to be in America. Theodore's parents had immigrated to the United States from England in the early 1880s, while Edith's family escaped the terror ravishing Russia between WWI and WWII where many were sent to concentration camps, including some of Edith's other family members. The couple lived a modest life on a dairy farm in the small village of Clifford, Michigan. On January 16, 1939, the couple delighted in welcoming the birth of their daughter, Marjorie Ann, in Davisburg, Michigan. She was the only girl among their four children, and with three sons, Ted, Jim and Tom, the family was complete. Marge was a typical little girl, who liked to play dolls, color and read. On her second birthday, she received her very own calf to raise on their farm. As she got older, Marge learned to bake pies from her mother, though she was never quite able to perfect the crust part. What made matters worse, however, was her little brother Jim could make a perfect crust on his very first try. Marge was always close with her brothers, and growing up, she teased them and got them in trouble a time or two. Yet, her brothers adored her and said she had "a temper to match her red hair." Marge received her education in the area one room schoolhouse and later graduated from high school. It was as a teenager that Marge's close childhood friend, Maxine Phillips, encouraged her to have a relationship with the Lord, which became a very significant part of Marge's life. Marge's life took a new direction when she was introduced to Ron Van Tine through their respective fathers, who were working together at the time. Upon their advice, Ron came by Marge's house one day to introduce himself, and it wasn't long before they were out on their first date, cruising around in his 55 Chevy. Ron fell head over heels for Marge and affectionately said, "There weren't many girls like Marge. She was wonderful!" The young couple was engaged on November 9, 1957, and by the spring of the following year, they were happily married on March 1, 1958. Marge and Ron spent the next 49 years together, raising their two sons, Ken and Doug, and sharing many wonderful memories as a family. Devoted to her sons, Marge exemplified all things a mother should be. She was patient, caring and generous with her time; they spent countless hours playing games and coloring together. Marge wanted her sons to grow up to be independent, and taught them to sew, cook and do laundry. Her son Ken will always remember how his mother was a constant support to him, no matter what he did or didn't do. While her son Doug will never forget how patient and encouraging she was, especially in his younger years when he was so very shy and had low self-esteem. The most important lesson that Marge could pass on to her children, however, was how to serve the Lord. She was the "spiritual leader" of their family, and through her devout faith, her sons learned to love and serve the Lord. In her church, Marge enjoyed teaching Sunday school, and also helped along for several years with the Pioneer Girls at First Baptist Church in St. Louis and First Baptist Church in Freeland. Besides being a devoted wife and mother, Marge also worked outside the home to help make ends meet. Over the years, she had ran a daycare, worked as a secretary in a bank and insurance office, did some retail work and was a home health care aide for Hackley Visiting Nurse Services for two years. Because of health problems, she retired from Hackley about four years ago. After retiring, Marge and Ron enjoyed some time traveling together, visiting places like Missouri and Florida. Their time together on vacation brought great happiness to Ron and he cherished every moment of it with Marge. While home, Marge had many hobbies to keep her busy; she enjoyed gardening, sewing and doing crafts, writing to her oodles of pen pals she had (over 300 at last count) and volunteering at Love, Inc. in Muskegon. But, none of these things could compare to spending a day with her two precious grandchildren. She often took them on day trips, which were always fun for everyone. Marge felt being a mother and grandmother was yet another great blessing in her life and she was so very thankful for them. With family as a cornerstone of her life, it was only natural that Christmas be Marge's absolute favorite time of the year. She would decorate the house from top to bottom, pack the tree with gifts and bake tons and tons of Christmas cookies. Her son Ken fondly remembers helping his mom frost those hundreds of cookies, those sweet memories now become treasures of the heart. Marge's greatest joy was sharing herself with her family, offering them the most precious thing she possessed - her time. It is a gift none of her family will ever forget. Marjorie Ann Van Tine, age 68, died Monday, March 19, 2007. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Ronald; 2 sons: Kenneth (Gina) Van Tine of Farmington Hills, MI, Douglas (Sarah) Van Tine of Norton Shores; 2 grandchildren: Lance and Annie; 3 brothers: Ted (Donna) Patrick of Kingston, MI, Jim (Carol) Patrick of Moline, IL and Tom (Dennise) Patrick of Mayville, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents and two children, Scottie and Kelly. A funeral service for Marjorie will be held on Friday, March 23, at 2:00 p.m. at the Calvary Church with Rev. Terry Fulk officiating. Friends and relatives may visit with her family on Thursday, March 22, from 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory of Marjorie or sign her online guest book.