Longtime teacher Nancy Belle Marutz, 87, of Wayland, died Sunday, Feb. 24.
Nancy was born in Brighton and graduated from Milford High School in 1949. She attended Western Michigan College and earned her bachelor’s degree in hearing and speech and a master’s in speech pathology from Michigan State University.
Nancy taught for 30 years, 28 years at Bessie B. Baker Elementary in Wayland. She was involved at St. Paul Lutheran Church Sunday School for more than 50 years. She and husband Bob, retired Wayland Schools principal, traveled extensively in their retirement. Family was important to her and many winters were spent in Texas with kids and grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Bob Marutz; children Pam (Scott) Doublestein and Lynn Marutz; grandchildren Stacey (Einar) Phillips, Philip (Katie) Doublestein; great-grandchildren Paige and Micah Phillips and Wyatt Doublestein; brother, Don (Thurlow) Reid, sister, Freda VanFleteren, and sister-in-law, Eunice Milliman.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Wilma Reid.
Her funeral will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 28, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 8436 Kraft Ave. SE Caledonia, with Rev. Dr. Timothy Brand officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Services, 312 N. Main St., Wayland and one hour prior to the service Thursday at Church.
The family welcomes memories and messages in their online guest book at www.kubiakcook.com. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Sunday School or the Lutheran Women in Missions.
The sweetest, most compassionate person I ever knew. Nancy, your place in heaven is assured because you were true to the Word and to the Saviour.
My sincere condolences to your faithful and loving husband and your wonderful family.
The world is a lesser place because of people like Nan leaving us, but be assured she is living and enjoying her new journey.