Marian B. Stutz, age 98, of Cassopolis, MI passed away January 28, 2023, at home where she resided with her daughter Terry. Born May 2, 1924, to the late Valdie and Mildred (Lloyd) Spake, she was a life resident of the greater Elkhart area. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years Edward Stutz, her son Eric Stutz, daughter Judith Robbins, brothers Jim Spake, Larry Spake, & Jack Spake.

She is survived by her daughter Teresa Stutz of Cassopolis, MI, son Brian (Diane) Stutz of Waldron, AR, daughter Lydia (Jeff) Benedict of Elkhart, IN, 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, & 9 great-great grandchildren.

Marian was a Navy veteran as she joined the WAVES (Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service) division of the US Navy in June 1944 and was transferred to the SPARs (Semper Paratus, Always Ready) U.S. Coast Guard Women's Reserve. She worked on bases where pilots were taught how to fly. Her job was to dispense helmets & parachutes (which she also repacked), perform checks on aircraft, & "prop start" or propeller start planes. She served in the Navy until July 1946.

Edward & Marian wed in September of 1947 & began raising Arabian horses on their farm Velvet Arabians along with 5 children. Not only did they raise 5 children together, but they took care of their aging mothers as they grew old.

She was president of the UAW at CTS where she worked for 32 years. After retiring from CTS, she worked at Oxbow Park in the Admission Gate House for 11 years. She loved going to horse shows, loved reading & word searches, & loved her dog, Cinnamon. She last rode a horse with her daughter Terry when she was 86 years old!

She was a loving niece, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, & friend to so many and had almost a century's worth of living to share with her 5 generations of family members.

Visitation will be held at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola on Monday, February 6 ^th , 2023, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm with a brief service at 7:00 pm. Cremation and interment will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the veteran's charities below or one of your choice.

Hope for Warriors - https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/

The Gary Sinise Foundation - https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/

Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund - https://www.fallenheroesfund.org/