Margaret Elizabeth "Marty" Gits

Gits, Margaret Elizabeth "Marty" (nee Ford) age 77, a longtime resident of Bemidji, MN, died Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at Neilson Place in Bemidji, MN. Marty was born September 9, 1930 in Marshall, MN to Dr. Burton Ford and Mary Lauretta "Laura" (Graney) Ford. Marty graduated from Marshall High School in 1948; graduated from St. Catherine's College in 1952; and post graduate work from the University of AZ, Tucson, AZ. She held a Master's degree in Art History. She married Gregory E. Gits on August 13, 1955 in Marshall, MN. Marty was employed in St. James, MN School District and at St. Ann's Minneapolis, MN and then retired to raise their family. She was a St. Philip's trustee and involved in St. Jude's Circle. Marty was a master knitter and crocheter, enjoyed crossword puzzles, water color and oil painting, wood carving and was an avid book reader. She was a loving mother, thoughtful person, a creative cook, an avid bridge and cribbage players, and especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren at 10 Mile Lake in Minnesota. Marty is survived by her loving husband, Gregory Gits of Bemidji, MN; her children, Judy M. Klaers (Pat) of Fargo, ND, Charles J. Gits (Kim) of Edina, MN, Elizabeth A. Nelson (Gayle) of Brainerd, MN, Helen P. Yarmoska (Wayne) of Edina, John G. Gits (Lisa) of Madison, WI; nine grandchildren; sister, Patricia Murphy of Marshall, MN; numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews; dear friends of the Book Club; neighbors, Harriet, Sonia, Marshall Youso and family and dear friends, Pat and Roy Ricke, Judy and Morris Damp, Bev Kraft and Peach Murphy. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. B.C. Ford; her brother, Dr. Jack Ford and her sister, Eileen Hahn. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Saturday, May 10, 2008 at St. Philip's Catholic Church in Bemidji with Fr. Vincent Miller officiating. A visitation will be from 5-7 PM Friday with a rosary/prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Cease Family Funeral Home and one hour before the services on at the church. Interment will be at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Cemetery in Marshall, MN. Memorials preferred. Cease Family Funeral Home Bemidji, MN 218-751-9700
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.