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Kristen Marler Obituary

Kristen L. Marler Smyrna, TN Kristen L. Marler, 44, of Smyrna, Tennessee, formerly of Battle Creek, passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2008. She was born June 7, 1964 in Battle Creek, Michigan the daughter of James Hollis and Donna Jean (Dempsey) Thurman. Kristen graduated from Lakeview High School in 1982 where she was a varsity softball player for 4 years and later graduated from Western Michigan University in 1985 with a degree in social work. On June 23, 1984 she was married to Jeffrey A. Marler. Kristen taught school in Alabama and was a social worker in Tennessee for many years. She loved spending time outdoors working in her garden, enjoyed going for long walks and spending time at the lake. Surviving are her husband, Jeff Marler of Smyrna, TN; son: Pvt. Jaymes Kellen Marler, U.S. Marine Corps; daughter: Elizabeth Alyn Marler of Smyrna, TN; parents: James and Donna Thurman; grandmother: Beatrice Knapp; sister: Karen (Joe) McCotter; brother: Tim (Kari) Thurman, all of Battle Creek; mother-in-law: Judith Marler of Brighton; brother-in-law: Gregory (Lois) Marler of Naples, FL; sister-in-law: Janelle (Jason) Kamp of Naperville, IL; four nieces: Alexa Thurman, Stephanie (Aaron) Rabideau; Jessica McCotter and Rachelle Kamp; six nephews: Jeff Thurman, Greg McCotter, Justin and Brian Marler, Brandon and Nicholas Kamp.; great-nephew, Mason Rabideau; and great-nieces, Ella Rabideau and Avery Thurman. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law: Larry Marler. Kristen was very proud of both of her children. She loved watching her daughter, Ally play soccer and was especially proud of her son, Jaymes who recently enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 10, 2008, at the funeral home with Josh Hydrick, minister of 20th Street Church of Christ officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be given to the American Diabetes Association or St. Jude Children's Hospital.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Nov. 8, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Kristen Marler

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Lisa Plasky

November 15, 2008

Dear Aunt Donna & Uncle Hollis, Karen & Tim ~

I have been thinking of - and wanted to share with you - my favorite memories of Kris: when all of us cousins would be together for the holidays at Grandma & Grandpa Knapp's house, and we would all go upstairs into Grandpa's room and play "I Spy", or take turns playing Grandpa's little organ. She was always so good with us cousins that were younger than her (and who I'm sure got on her nerves!). Even after she had grown up and started bringing her boyfriend (Jeff) with her, she would still go upstairs and play with and be goofy with us kids. It had been a long time since I had seen Kris and to this day when I picture her, I see the big beautiful genuine smile she always had for everyone.

You raised such a beautiful woman, and I believe you were her influence & inspiration in raising such a beautiful family of her own.

Love to you all ~
Lisa

Tracy Reynolds (Watson)

November 12, 2008

To Kris's family,

I am so sorry for the loss of your mother, wife and daughter and a friend to many. I've known Kris since Kindergarten and even though I lost track of her after high school, I remember her smile and kindness as if it were yesterday. I am so happy to see that she was able to share her life with a son and daughter and husband. You are truly blessed to have those many years with her. Donna, I am so sorry for your loss. You were a great mom to Kris.

Carolyn Swallows

November 11, 2008

Donna & Hollis
We were so saddened to hear about Kristen. I have been praying daily that God will guide you through this terrible loss and give you a peace and understanding that only He can give. At this time it probably doesn't seem like this is ever going to happen but God promises that He will make a way for you to get through this. Remember He is your Rock, Your Refuge, Your fortress in this terrible time. And never forget that God knows your sorrow, He also lost his Son.
In His Love,
Gary & Carolyn Swallows

Mark

November 10, 2008

I remember Kris's first day at Westlake Elementary School. She wore her hair in beautiful braids.

During recess she climbed the height of the jungle gym and observed the gaggle of students from a distance.

We rode the same bus and were classmates in many subjects.

As I reflect Kris evokes glistening memories. She truly is one of kind.

My best thoughts to her family...

Vicki (Anderson) Ralston

November 10, 2008

Mr. & Mrs. Thurman,
I was so very shocked and sorry to hear of Kris' passing. I have some very wonderful memories of our friendship in school and playing softball together. She was a great deal of fun to be around and I only wish we would have kept in touch after school. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you both and her husband and children.

Leslie & John Kearfott

November 9, 2008

Dear Aunt Donna & Uncle Hollis;

Our thoughts and prayers are with you both and your family during this very difficult time. Some of the highlights of my youth were Christmas in Battle Creek and spending time with Kris. She was such a special person and we know that she will be missed by all.

May the peace of God by with you all during this time of sorrow.

Love,

Leslie, John, Aric, Josh and Brittany Kearfott

Vivian Reiling (Leach)

November 8, 2008

James and Donna,

My condolences and prayers are with you and your family. I remember Kristen coming to our home and being friends with my daughter; Julianne. Kristen was such a sweet and fun person to be friends with. I remember her being such a good athlete and did so well playing softball through the years.
May the lord be with you in this time of healing.

Julie, Rick & Russell Mathiak (Leach)

November 8, 2008

Dear James Hollis and Donna Jean,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My memories of Kristen were those wonderful times growing up with her in school together. We were friends and in the same LHS class. I remember she was such an athletic and fun girl to be with in High School. May the lord be with you and your family in the loss of a lovely daughter.

Merrilee, Craig & Ally Waltman (Leach)

November 8, 2008

Dear James & Donna Jean,

Our deep and heartfelt condolences on the loss of your daughter, Kristen. Our memories of her were that she was a sweet, fun-loving happy and athletic girl. I have memories of her playing softball and loving the sport so much.
Our thoughts are with you and know you have a special angel watching over you and your family.

Brenda (Hemminger) Clise

November 8, 2008

Dear Donna, Hollis and Family,
My prayers go up daily to our Great Comforter on your behalf. Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. My memories of Kris are of a kind, happy, sweet, athletic girl. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Jean Price Price

November 8, 2008

Hollis & Donna May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow
Herb and I lost our only son Trent
Sept. 17th. Our hearts go out to you.
Loosing a child is so hard.

With Sympathy
Herb & Jean (Lewis) Price

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