Mary Ella Stanton

Mary Ella Stanton Dowling Mary Ella Stanton, age 77, of Dowling, passed away quietly surrounded by her family, on October 7, 2008 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. Mary was born November 15, 1930 in Battle Creek, Michigan the daughter of Edward and Opal (Lingg) Martin. She graduated from Delton High School in 1949. She was married to Rufus Stanton September 25, 1949. She spent most of her life on the family farm, working and taking care of her family. They spent many years as snow birds in Florida. Mary was a very active person, she was a 4-H leader for many years, member of the Dowling Area Birthday Club and the Delton TOPS #653. She enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved playing games of all kinds, especially dominoes and playing cards. Mary enjoyed traveling and seeing new things. She enjoyed camping and fishing, she loved visiting with her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Dale and Keeth Martin, and a sister, Jean Gray. Mary is survived by her husband of 59 years, Rufus Stanton; her daughter, Chris Norton (Joe Lukasiewicz) of Hastings; a son, David (Stephanie) Stanton of Nashville; 3 grandchildren, Justin (Jill) Norton, Cassie Norton (Mike Neufeld), Timothy Stanton; stepgrandchildren, Marie Arcand, Dani Hayes, James Yepez and Tomas Yepez; 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. A memorial service will be held Friday, October 10, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. with visitation at 3:00 p.m. at the Pleasantview Family Church, 2601 E. Lacey Rd., Dowling. A luncheon will follow services. In lieu of flowers memorial can be made to American Heart Association or Charity of One's Choice. Arrangements are by the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. You may leave a message or memory to the family at girrbachfuneralhome.net