Marilyn Voss

Through her soft touch and kindhearted ways, Marilyn Voss was a bright light in the lives of those around her. With her unwavering faith as her constant companion, her life exemplifies what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord she loved. Marilyn was a devoted wife and mother, but she just may have argued that becoming a grandmother was her greatest gift. Her compassion extended far beyond her own family, too, as she was always ready with a listening ear, a warm embrace, or a piece of timeless advice for those in need. Her absence will leave a gaping hole that will never be filled in the lives of her friends and family, but they find comfort in knowing that she is enjoying perfect peace in her eternal home.

By the dawn of 1938, things were looking just a bit brighter in America as the unemployment rate was finally on the decline. These years had been some of the darkest days the nation had ever seen due to the unrelenting grip of the Great Depression, but people came together and did whatever they could to get by. Despite the harsh conditions around them, a bustling family from Muskegon, Michigan, was eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby. Their wait was over on May 20th of that year when baby Marilyn drew her first breath. She was the fifth of six children born to her parents, Frank and Lena (Rozeboom) Hartman, and was raised in the family home in the Park Street neighborhood in Muskegon alongside her older siblings, Mildred, Anna Mae, and Frank, and her younger sister, Joyce. Tragically, her sister Margaret passed away in infancy. Marilyn’s father worked as a meter reader for Consumers Power while her mother was a busy homemaker.

In many ways Marilyn experienced a childhood that was rather typical for the youth of her generation. She enjoyed things like ice skating, playing basketball and tennis, and spending time with her close friends, Laura Hill, Donna Logg, and Dave Kendall. Marilyn attended local schools including Central Junior and Muskegon High School where she played in the band. When she was still living at home her mother was in poor health, which left Marilyn taking on a lot of added responsibilities including caring for her younger sister. After graduating from high school in 1956, Marilyn went on to Muskegon Community College where she earned her associate’s degree.

Life was forever changed for Marilyn when she met the young man who stole her heart. His name was Paul Voss and they met briefly at a beach party in Pere Marquette Park in 1952, but it wasn’t until their lockers ended up being near each other in 1954 that the sparks really began to fly. Paul pestered Marilyn for a date until she finally relented. A whirlwind romance ensued, and the couple was married on August 6, 1955, deeply in love.

Together Marilyn and Paul were blessed with two daughters, Rhonda Rae in 1956 and Cynthia Ann in 1958. They initially raised their family in Muskegon, but they later moved to Ann Arbor for a time before settling in Whitehall and Montague where Paul set up his dentistry practice. Marilyn came alongside her husband in his practice, serving as his office manager until they both retired in 2010. There were fun-filled family vacations to Canada, Maine, Florida, California, St. Louis, and New Orleans in addition to annual trips to Chicago that always overlapped with the dental convention. Family traditions were also important to Marilyn, and she went over and above to make sure these times were so special whether it was for holiday and birthday celebrations, Friday night football parties, Sunday church followed by lunch out afterwards, or water activities as they lived on White Lake for 40 years. Their pets were like additional members of the family including their dog, Rusty, who was with them for 18 years in addition to their other dogs, Lady and Duchess.

There were so many things Marilyn enjoyed that greatly enriched her life and the lives of those around her. She was an active member of the Berean Church where she took on the responsibility of decorating the church. Marilyn had a keen eye for design, and she volunteered countless hours of her time making the church breathtakingly beautiful, especially during the Christmas season beginning in the 1970s. She also taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school there for many years. Marilyn’s acts of service also extended to other organizations as she belonged to the local service league and the Ladies Dental Auxiliary. She loved being in the kitchen, and everything she made was outstanding, too. Marilyn could often be found flower gardening, and she also liked shopping for her daughters, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. It also goes without saying that spending time with her grandchildren was a favorite activity from the time they were born. Marilyn’s grandchildren could count on her for so many things such as shopping, going out for a bite to eat, cooking, boating, vacations, babysitting, or just having quality time sitting and talking. Of course, she also never hesitated to shower them with affection either. Marilyn could be goofy, too. In 1981 Paul shot a bear and had it turned into a rug which was placed by the fireplace. Each time Marilyn entered that room it startled her and her grandsons had fun scaring her with fake spiders and snakes.

As her friends and family can attest, Marilyn was truly one of a kind. She was always more than willing to dish out the hugs and kisses, especially where her grandchildren were concerned. Marilyn’s greatest desire was that her family would be happy, and she would go to great lengths to do what she could to bring that to fruition. She has been described as a mother to many as she had a heart that knew no bounds. Marilyn was a woman of grace in everything she did and was a proper lady as well.

When reflecting on the life of Marilyn Voss we are inspired to embrace each moment we are given while deeply loving those around us. Known for her patience, humble spirit, and caring ways, she was truly a blessing in the lives of all those within her reach. With the love of her life by her side for more than 56 years, she created a family that grew to include grandchildren all who were her greatest source of pride and joy. The colorful mosaic of memories Marilyn leaves behind will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of many.

Marilyn J. Voss died on Thursday, December 15, 2011. Marilyn’s family includes her husband, Paul; daughters, Rhonda Rae (Philip DC) Petsch DC of Montague, Cynthia Ann (Lawrence Milne) Voss Walter of Long Beach CA; grandchildren, Megan Rae Petsch, Lindsay Rose Petsch, Jeffrey Philip Petsch, Nathan Eric Walter; sister, Joyce Paulsen of Muskegon; brother, Frank (Joan) Hartman of Pauma Valley CA; and several nieces & nephews. Marilyn was preceded in death by her sisters, Mildred Gifford, Anna Mae Hutchins and Margaret Hartman. Services will be held on Friday, December 23, 2011, 2:00 p.m. at the Berean Church with Rev. Craig Apel and Rev. Dwight Reed officiating. Visit with Marilyn’s family and friends on Thursday, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial donations may be made to the Berean Church Memorial Fund. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory.