Marjorie Reinbold

All who knew Marjorie Reinbold would agree that she was a woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She lived to nurture and selflessly care for her children, and she was blessed to share 40 years with the love of her life. Together Marjorie and her husband witnessed their family blossom to include grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren who brought unspeakable joy into their lives. She was a kindhearted and gracious woman who was never concerned about what she had, rather, her life’s focus was on living fully in each and every moment that she was given. A dear woman to many, Marjorie will be dearly missed while her memory is forever cherished by all who were blessed to feel her touch.

The end of WWI in 1919 ushered in some of the most prosperous days we have faced as a nation as the success of America and our allies left us recognized as a world leader. New technology brought us radios, refrigerators, and more affordable automobiles while jazz music, the Charleston, and Broadway shows were among the threads woven into the cultural fabric of the time. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1924 that was filled with great joy for John and Mary Ann (Shaw) Ballman as they welcomed a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home on October 26, 1924. She was the youngest of nine children in her family and experienced a childhood that was fairly typical for the youth of her generation. Marjorie’s father worked as a farmer while her mother had more than enough to keep her busy in the home. She attended school until the eighth grade, which was not uncommon at the time.

Throughout her rich and rewarding life, there was nothing Marjorie treasured more than being with the ones she loved. She was blessed to become a mother to five amazing children including Shirley, Ruby, Gerald, Rebecca, and Sam from her first marriage that later dissolved.

It was in 1968 that Marjorie became reacquainted with someone she knew from her childhood, and it was he who proved to be the love of her life. His name was Otto Reinbold, and he was over at her brother LD’s house visiting one fateful day. Sparks flew for them both, and Marjorie was particularly attracted to Otto’s likable and funny ways. Love quickly bloomed, and with a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Marjorie and Otto were married on April 24, 1971, at the Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene. She welcomed his three daughters, Pamela, Kathleen, and Nancy into her life with open arms. At the time Sam, Pam, and Becky were still rather young and in school. Both Marjorie and Otto were so pleased that their two families blended together particularly well. During their sunset years they made their home on Austin Lake, and this provided the backdrop for countless family gatherings that everyone enjoyed immensely.

Over the years Marjorie was always busy doing something. She spent more than 30 years working at Continental Can in Three Rivers in addition to caring for her family. Marjorie’s family appreciated her skills in the kitchen as everything she made was fantastic. Goulash and dinner rolls were among her family’s favorites, and on Sundays she always made more than enough to feed everyone who came over. During their retirement years, Marjorie and Otto wintered in Florida where she was a member of the local chapter of the Red Hat Society, and they also traveled extensively, too, making it to every state over the years. She was very crafty and talented when it came to making things with her hands including numerous porcelain dolls. Marjorie enjoyed listening to gospel and classic country music.

Gentle, intelligent, and caring are just a few of the words that come to mind when reflecting on the extraordinary woman that Marjorie Reinbold was. She devoted her days to caring for her family and deeply loved each and every one of them in their own unique way. Life was not always easy for Marjorie, but she was a strong and independent woman who fully embraced both the peaks and valleys along her life’s journey. Although life will never be the same for her friends and loved ones without her here, they will forever hold her memory near and dear to their hearts.

Marjorie L. Reinbold, of Portage, died on Thursday, April 10, 2014. Marjorie’s family includes her eight children: Pamela (Bob) Gettys of Battle Creek, Kathleen Cook of Kalamazoo, and Nancy Drenth of Portage; Shirley (John) Heath of Fulton, Ruby (Al “Ed”) Smith of Kalamazoo, Gerald (Kathy) Smith, Jr. of Kansas, Rebecca (Gary) Atz of Georgia, and Sam (Deb) Smith of Three Rivers; 24 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; brother, LD Ballman, of Centreville. Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband Otto in 2012. A memorial service celebrating Marjorie's life will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at Fulton Christian Church with Pastor Noah Miller officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Please visit Marjorie’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign her guestbook and share a memory or photo. For those who wish, contributions to American Cancer Society, or charity of choice. The family is being assisted by the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main Street, Vicksburg (269) 649-1697.