Marcella Clara Amelia Kuechle Robertson

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Ohio State University

Marcella Robertson Obituary

ROBERTSON Marcella Clara Amelia Kuechle Robertson left us 6 January 2013. Her adventurous spirit permeated her life along with her great love for music. Marcella daughter of Josephine and Theodore Kuechle began her journey in Grandview, Ohio on May 2, 1919. She came to her journeys end 6 January 2013 in Destin, Florida. She graduated from the Grandview (a suburb of Columbus), Ohio schools in 1936 and attended the music conservatory at Capitol University majoring in piano for two years after which she transferred to Ohio State University. She graduated from Ohio State in 1940 majoring in music education. Marcella taught English and music in Roundhead, Ohio for a year before stepping out to join the Charmendelle Trio starting her career as a professional musician playing in Alexandria, Louisiana. This lead to New York where she joined the USO Camp Show for a tour in the Pacific in 1946 . On her return, she played in venues in Louisiana and Wisconsin for a couple of years and Joined the Red Cross playing for troops of the famed Rainbow Division stationed at Burgerbraukeller, Munich, Germany for 6 months. She became a civilian actress teacher with a musical show composed of 8 GI's and 4 civilians for her final year in Germany. Following her European travels she visited the territory of Hawaii for 6 months prior to returning to the states to attend Juilliard in New York City for piano studies. Her musical career lead her through Las Vegas, Reno, and Alaska working with various musical acts before marrying Harry Robertson, a widower with 3 daughters and within 5 years they added their 2 sons to the family. Marcella kept up with her family duties, played musical gigs weekends as well as teaching piano lessons in her home. She never lost her zeal for travel making trips abroad, road trips across the United States, and she developed a desire for remodeling. She did 9 restorations including 7 in the German Village historical area in Columbus. Through a volunteer program Marcella entered a career as a librarian serving several years before retiring from the Columbus schools as an Elementary School Field Librarian supervising 6 elementary school libraries. Marcella also volunteered reading books for the blind and participated in book clubs and theater events to round out her pursuit of the arts. Prior to moving to Destin, Florida Marcella was a long time member of First Community Church in Columbus, Ohio. She left many longtime friends moving to a warmer climate for health reasons and nearer to her son. Marcella is preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers Richard and Roland, a sister Phyllis Wilde, and step daughter Carol Schlienitz. She leaves behind her eldest son Christopher of Coupeville, Washington, devoted son Jamie of Niceville, Florida, grand daughter Jessica, grandson Eric, and step daughters Harriett Hammel and Elizabeth Marvin. Marcella's quick wit and keen sense of humor and pleasant disposition stayed with her throughout her years and will be missed by those who came in contact with her throughout her life. Marcella was not one to just play music, when she sat down at the keyboard she brought the music to life. She plays to a new audience.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Jan. 9 to Jan. 12, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Marcella Robertson

11 Entries

Carole Martin

January 23, 2013

I enjoyed hearing Marcella play piano at Crystal Bay. She brought joy to all who knew her. My mother was at Crystal Bay with her for years and hopefully has greeted her in heaven.

Steve Sawyer

January 16, 2013

Marcella was a free-spirited, altruistic renaissance woman.
I first knew her as the mother of my friend Chris, during Jr. High School. Years later, when,
through life's circumstances,
I became homeless, Marcella took me into her family's home, as a "roomer". Our relationship soon became much more than a landlord/tenant one. She kindly included me in many of her family's holiday celebrations. Helped by her generous advice and encouragement, I was able
to get back on my feet when I
found gainful employment, which eventually allowed me to move into a place of my own.
The job that I started while
living at the Robertson's became a 30 year career, which I recently retired from.
I once told her that she reminded me of the "George
Bailey" character in the classic
movie "It's a Wonderful Life"; she truly touched many lives. Over the years, I continued to keep in touch with Marcella. Along with my sister, Sandy, we celebrated each other's
birthdays together, as well as other special occasions.
After her family had all moved
away from Columbus, I began
to stop by Marcella's house
more frequently, to check up
on her, as I noticed that her
formerly perfect memory was
starting to fail. Although it was
a very sad day when her family moved her to Florida, I was
happy for her to be near them again, during the last few years of her life. She'll be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all of us who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Cindy Gates

January 14, 2013

Dear Jamie,
Your Mom and my parents go way back to OSU School of Music and the Charmanelle Trio including my Aunt Betty, a gifted cellist..(Mom always highlighted a summer in Vermont/NY as wonderful).Travel to Austria @ a time when they were both Field Librarians for Columbus Schools. Your Mom lived with my folks one winter and I only know that they all enjoyed each other's company so much that that time passed too quickly. After my parents and Aunt Betty passed, her daughter Caroline and I spoke about the wonder that is (cannot imagine such splendid energy not continuuing here)/was your Mother and Caroline kept in better touch than I. Perhaps she can fill in all the holes. Her memory is much better than mine..always was.Clearly your Mom was a gift to so many of us in her lifetime. She knew how to give life a whirl and did everyday that I knew her. She was teacher/student each day and I admired her mind and spirit both. May God bless her family as you realize just how much she has left in the lives of so many! Your sadness is shared. Cindy Gates

Amelia McMahon

January 14, 2013

Jamie, I am so sorry for your loss, may God comfort you in this time. God Bless,
Amelia McMahon

Doug Dougherty

January 13, 2013

When I was young, I knew Mrs. Robertson as Chris and Jamie's mom. Chris was one of my best friends. My brother Bob and I frequently argued over who was beter friends with Chris. Jamie was his little brother. For a little brother, he was prety cool. Mrs. Robertson was always kind to us and generous with her home (and food). She tolerated our "wars," crabapple fights,and games at the park. She patched our wounds and sent us on our way. I was afraid to go too close to her piano (or even in the same room). This was about me, of course, not her. I'm sorry for Chris and Jamie's loss. I wish them the best. Great to see Coleen and Bob's comments.

Carol Wolfenbarger

January 13, 2013

I knew Marcella as part of a Children's Literature book group. She joined the group because of her friendships with group members who also had grown up in Grandview. She and they also were professional colleagues, school librarians. I admired her knowledge, her exceptional talent, and her determination. She was truly an exceptional person. I am grateful for knowing her and being able to listen to stories of her experiences. When she moved to Florida the group felt the loss. I often think of her grand piano and having seen part of her collection of concert programs that she had collected over the years. Her obituary was a fitting tribute to her many faceted life.

Suzanne Newcomb

January 12, 2013

I have wonderful memories of my piano lessons with Mrs. Robertson from the ages of 5-14. I credit her for inspiring me during those formative years to become of professional pianist! Whenever we had time left over at the end of the lesson, I'd ask her to play Chopin.
I also remember seeing her play on a float in the UA parade! What an amazing woman.
Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. Marcella will be fondly remembered!

January 12, 2013

When I think of my family's home on Cambridge Blvd., I fondly recall our wonderful neighbors. Your mom was one-of-a-kind; patient, kind and artistic. Even though she was an expert pianist, she never got upset when we'd play chopsticks on her beautiful grand piano, did she?! I recall many Saturday mornings watching cartoons for hours in your family room and she never shooed me out. Chris and Jamie, I'm so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady.
- Colleen Crook

Brenda Reese Willhite

January 12, 2013

Marcella was employed as an accompanist by my grandparents in their Detwiler Dance Studio at 1815 W. First Avenue in Grandview. It must have been in the '40s. My grandfather William Detwiler taught ballet; my grandmother Rosalene, ballroom; my father Frazier Reese, ballroom and tap; my mother Lois and her sister Marion, ballet and tap. Those were the days when dance lessons were conducted to live piano accompaniment. When Marcella was not available for a lesson, my mother would serve as accompanist. Through the years, my parents spoke fondly of Marcella's role at the studio. Dance recitals were held at Central High School and the Columbus Art Gallery, perhaps with Marcella at the piano. I wish more stories had been shared with my generation. It seemed to have been such a shining era, despite the depression and war years.

J.R. Pine

January 11, 2013

Many accomplishments, an extraordinary and exciting path equals a great life lived. To benefit so many others is the best measure of success.

To Jamie my good friend, you have been a tremendous son and I have enjoyed the stories you have shared with me over the years. Please know that my family is with you and your family in spirit as you reflect on the past and celebrate your Mother's lifetime.

Warmest regards,

Bob Lipetz

January 11, 2013

Quite a woman. She had amazing energy. Ran a house full of trouble making boys and still mananged rental properties and taught piano lessons. She confided in me that she meditated every morning. In my high school years hanging out with her son, Chris, I probably added to her grey hairs!

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