Obituary of Marian M. Stark

Marian Mae Stark, 84, previously of Largo, Florida but most recently of Niles, Michigan passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at West Woods of Niles. On April 12, 1930, Marian was born to the late August Spletzer and Emma (Zelmer) Spletzer in Berrien Springs, Michigan but after the death of her mother she also called Christina (Weber) Spletzer mom for many years. William J. Stark took Marian Spletzer as his bride at a ceremony in Berrien Springs, on November 26, 1949. Marian and Bill owned and operated Virginia Hardy's Oven from 1969 to 1996. For the past 17 years Marian lived in Largo, Florida where she kept herself and many others busy and entertained. She thoroughly enjoyed attending Highland Presbyterian Church and singing in the choir was always a highlight. Marian loved games, especially bingo and card games; in fact Marian organized and ran both euchre and cribbage tournaments. She also showed her skill in shuffleboard, often times winning and even placing first in a tournament. Marian traveled back to Michigan for visits and the grandchildren vied for the opportunity to be her partner in whatever game may be going on; Grandma was just that good! She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband William Stark, three brothers Bob, Richard and Gordon Spletzer and two step-brothers Art and Wally Vorrath. Survivors left to cherish her memory are her children Brian (Theresa) Stark of Hartford, Michigan, Rita (Ralph) Layman of Schoolcraft, Michigan, Brent (Michelle) Stark of Berrien Center, Michigan, Brenda (Brian) Mohrhardt, of Berrien Center. She is also survived by her brother Louis (Shirley) Spletzer of Berrien Springs, her twin sister Margie Miller of Kalkaska, Michigan, Sharon Malone of Benton Harbor, Michigan, step-brother Ronald (Ruth) Vorrath of Berrien Springs, step-sister Donna Lausman, and her seven grandchildren. In accordance with Marian's wishes cremation has taken place. Those wishing to make a memorial donation may do so to Trinity Lutheran Church and School, Berrien Springs, or Hospice at Home, Buchanan Michigan. A memorial Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Berrien Springs, Michigan on March 7 at 2:00 p.m.