Mary Herpolsheimer

Throughout her rich and rewarding journey, Mary Herpolsheimer was a wise, steadfast, and gracious woman who touched those around her in such a special way. She had an unwavering faith that was the cornerstone on which her life was built, and it was her faith that provided the shelter from the storms of life while putting the joy in her heart as well. There was no greater joy in Mary’s life than her family, and together with the love of her life she witnessed her family grow to include the children and grandchildren she adored. Kind, generous, and compassionate, she was ever mindful of others as the needs of those around her always came first. Although she will be deeply missed, Mary leaves behind a timeless legacy that is deeply rooted in faith, love, and wisdom that will be carried on by those who follow in her footsteps.

The year 1929 is often remembered as the year that witnessed the devastating crash of the stock market that ushered in the harsh realities of the Great Depression that blanketed our nation and much of the world throughout the 1930s. However, it was just prior to this historic day that a young couple from Alpine Township, Michigan, was pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby girl on March 4th of that same year. Mary Louise was one of three children born to her parents, Byron Willis and Inez Faye (Rogers) Girou, and she was raised in the family home on Fruit Ridge that had been converted from an old stage coach house. She and her sister, Iris, were close, however, their sister, Grace, died at only 13 months of age.

In many ways Mary was a young girl of her generation. The Girou family farmed 80 acres, which meant that she had her share of chores including working with the cows. As a young girl Mary developed a deep love for cats, and throughout her life she had several as pets. She was active in the local 4-H with her horse, Rocky, and although he trained well he didn’t like shows. As a student Mary attended a one-room schoolhouse, Red Brick School, located on Stage and Six Mile, and she went on to Union High School. She also learned to play the piano and sang in the church choir as a young woman. Mary graduated from high school.

New and exciting changes were in store for Mary when she met the young man of her dreams. His name was Ralph Herpolsheimer, and he worked for her dad on the farm. A dating relationship began, and the couple soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together Mary and Ralph were married at her home on July 24, 1948. Together they were thrilled to welcome four boys into their hearts and home, Ralph, Roy, Glenn, and Lee. As a family they enjoyed camping and traveling, often pulling a trailer as they traveled the country from Washington, D.C, to Seattle, Florida, and California as well as numerous places in between. They also did a lot of boating, which Mary became more comfortable with once she learned to swim in her thirties.

Mary made it seem effortless to efficiently run her household, and she wasn’t afraid to discipline the boys when needed. Her skills in the kitchen were fantastic, and she always made sure her boys had a balanced meal with more than enough to go around. Mary’s baking was equally amazing whether she was baking pies, cookies, or something for dessert with dinner every night. She kept a huge garden and nothing ever went to waste whether they were eating fresh vegetables or she was canning and freezing from her yield. Mary was a woman of routines, which allowed her to keep the house in meticulous order. An active part of her boys’ lives, she was a den mother for them when they were in Cub Scouts.

Faith was first and foremost in Mary’s life from the time she was a young girl. She attended Trinity Congregational Church throughout most of her life beginning from the time she went with her parents and sister while growing up. Mary continued attending there as an adult with her own family, and enjoyed volunteering. Through the years she taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school in the summer, and she and Ralph were part of numerous gatherings and activities. Later in life Mary attended Maranatha Bible Church and then Grace Fellowship Church.

From the moment she became a grandmother Mary was thrilled. She absolutely loved being with her grandchildren, and no matter how often she saw them it was never enough. When they were little Mary took them to the zoo every year, and as they got older she was there to support them in all their activities. She also regularly sent them cards to let them know she was thinking of them. For decades Mary’s family gathered at her home on Sundays as traditions were so special to her.

Someone who wanted to be busy, Mary was a bustle of activity. She was more social than Ralph was by nature, but they did both enjoy getting together with friends to play Crazy 8’s or other games. As she got older Mary began crocheting, learned to play the accordion, and let her creative side emerge doing some country painting or pen and ink drawings. Even when sitting down she was doing something as she could often be found reading her Bible, various novels, or Prevention magazine. During their retirement years Mary and Ralph did more traveling as they went all over the United States and Canada as well as to Europe and Hawaii. Although not overly outgoing, she was a great conversationalist. It has also been said that when certain topics, such as politics, came up one never needed to wonder where Mary stood!

When in need of more care in 2013, Mary moved to the Christian Rest Home and Ralph joined her four months later.

Steadfast, loving, and deeply devoted to her loved ones, Mary Herpolsheimer was such an extraordinary person. She was a woman of deep faith whose life was an inspiration to all who were near. Mary will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Mrs. Mary Louise Herpolsheimer, aged 85 of Grand Rapids, passed away at the Christian Rest Home on Wednesday, October 15, 2014. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph, in 2013. She is survived by her children, Ralph and Linda Herpolsheimer, Roy and Jackie Herpolsheimer, Glenn and Pam Herpolsheimer, Lee and Ildi Herpolsheimer; 9 grandchildren, Joel (Mandy Joy) Herpolsheimer, Mandy Lyn Meyer, Vicki (Michael) Blankenship, Jason (Karen) Herpolsheimer, Kyle (Ragean) Herpolsheimer, Justin (Christina) Herpolsheimer, Samantha Herpolsheimer, Tony Herpolsheimer, Erica Herpolsheimer; 19 great grandchildren; sister, Iris Heyt, and many friends. The service to celebrate her life will be held at Grace Fellowship Church, 735 Buth Dr. NE in Comstock Park on Tuesday, October 21 at 11 AM. Burial in Oakhill Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Mary's family on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Please consider your contributions in her memory to the Christian Rest Home Foundation. To read more about Mary's life, to sign her guest book and to leave a memory, visit www.lifestorynet.com