Marcia E. Maley

There was no greater joy for Marcia Maley than that of dedicated daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend. A woman who influenced by example, she loved unconditionally and was an encouraging and supportive force in the lives of those she loved. Marcia was content with the life she lived. She worked hard and raised a loving family for which she was proud. Deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

By 1931, the difficult days of the Great Depression created a jobless rate of nearly four million. It was indeed a trying time in our nations history, yet hearts were hopeful as New York City opened the Empire State Building, and celebrated as the Star-Spangled Banner was adopted as the U.S. national anthem. Amidst these trying times in the community of Columbia City, Indiana, George E. Pappy and Mary Alice (Addis) Loe found much to be thankful for when on March 4, 1931, they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Marcia into their arms.

One of six children, Marcia was raised very poor yet rich with love. Their home was just down the street from her grandparents house where she spent a good deal of time during her childhood. Despite the struggles around her, Marcia enjoyed a childhood typical of her generation. With such a large family, she was never short on playmates, and while attending the area schools she was a friend of many.

Marcia and her family eventually moved north of Columbia City to the Wolf Lake area. With World War II well underway, much was being done for the war effort in small towns and big cities alike. By the time Marcia was in high school, the war had come to a thankful end. With hopes and dreams of a bright future, Marcia went on to graduate from Wolf Lake High School with the Class of 1949.

A short time following high school, Marcia met Walter Maley and the two would go on to be married. Before long they began a family of their own which came to include six children. Walter Jr., Charles, Thomas, Cheryl, Denny, and Connie made their home complete. Marcia made a good home for her family. In 1967 they moved from Wolf Lake to the small community of Coesse, Indiana before she made Columbia City again home.

Along with raising her family and keeping house, Marcia worked outside the home, too. Prior to retiring in 1993, she worked at the Sears mail-order store in Columbia City and at Viking Inc. for 24 years. Life wasnt all about work and no play, though. Each weekend Marcia and the children packed up the car and headed to the Bonanza Club in Michigan for fun-filled weekends camping in the summers. During the weekend months of April and May they enjoyed mushroom hunting together in Mesick, Michigan with Marcias parents. Her parents lived in Merriam, and Marcia remained very close to them throughout the years. And as her youngest daughter, Cheryl grew into an adult, she and Marcia developed a special bond and one always knew where they found one, theyd find the other! They enjoyed doing many things together and became the best of friends.

Although Marcia truly enjoyed traveling, she was never one to fly. When she did travel, it was by car, Greyhound bus or the train. Over the years she enjoyed visiting the sites out west in Colorado, Utah, and she toured the Grand Canyon. She also enjoyed going to Little Nashville to seeRonnie McDowell, one of her favorite singers. In addition, she also loved the sounds of Jimmy Dean and liked watching him on television.

In her free time, Marcia enjoyed bowling, playing bingo and euchre with friends. She experienced relaxation doing yard work and she absolutely loved tending to the flowers in her garden. In later years, Marcia often began her afternoons watching The Price Is Right! In the evenings she enjoyed watching the Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! She also enjoyed watching IU basketball and Walker Texas Ranger.

Marcia always had her eye out for a bargain. She liked going to garage sales and if she came upon one, it was not uncommon for her to just stop her car right in the street, get out and look for treasures. One time she was even warned by a police officer to move her car from the road! Quite social, she not only liked getting a good deal, but she loved interacting and talking with others. For a time she was even a member of the infamous Red Hat Society.

Family was by far Marcias greatest joy. In them she found purpose, and love. Her beloved little dog, Tinklebell provided Marcia with wonderful companionship. As a member of Thorncreek Bethel Church of God, faith was an important part of Marcias life for which she relied. Marcia considered herself blessed with the love of family around her. She lived each day enjoying the things that made her happy, and she never expected or needed anything more. The memory of Marcia lives on as she is remembered for the special woman she was with ways all her own.

Marcia E. Maley, 86, of Columbia City, passed away the morning of Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at her home. She lived her entire life in the Columbia City area. Survivors include her sons, Walter (Donna) Maley, Jr., of Columbia City, Charles (Jo Ellen) Maley, of Columbia City, Tom (Vickie) Maley, of Kendallville and Dennis (Judy) Maley, of Roanoke; sister, Betty Gray, of Churubusco; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and her beloved dog, Tinklebell. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughters,Cheryl LynnKelley and Connie Elizabeth Maley; grandson, Steven Robert Maley; brothers, Donald Smith, Guy Loe and Paul Loe; and sister, Donnabelle Sroufe.

Visitation is1-5 p.m. Sunday, July 2, 2017at DeMoney-Grimes,600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City. The funeral service isat 10 a.m. Mondayat the funeral home with Pastor Phil Harris officiating. Burial will follow at Christian Chapel Cemetery in Merriam where Marcia will be laid to rest by her daughter and grandson. Memorials may be made in her memory to Thorncreek Bethel Church of God. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.comto share online condolences and favorite memories of Marcia with her family.