Merle Josephine Marquiss

Merle Josephine (Rhodenbaugh) Marquiss, 97, passed away peacefully Sunday Oct. 24, 2021, at Franciscan Health Michigan City, Indiana.

Merle was born to Francis (Frank) and Faye (Higgins) Rhodenbaugh in Wyndmere, North Dakota. She was one of six children growing up on the family farm in rural North Dakota. Merle enjoyed telling stories about life on the farm and her days at college. She attended the North Dakota State School of Science, then moved on to complete her BS in Nutrition at the University of North Dakota where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta Social Sorority.

Merle moved to Chicago in the 1940s to start her dietetic internship at Cook County School of Nursing in Chicago and Presbyterian Hospital where she completed her work to be a Registered Dietitian.

In 1947 Merle moved to Michigan City, Indiana, where she helped to establish the dietary program at St. Anthony Hospital as their first Registered Dietitian. It was at St. Anthony where she met her spouse, Wayne (Dutch) H. Marquiss, an electrical contractor who worked at the hospital as it expanded.

Merle loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren. She was active in the community as dietitian for Red Oaks Nursing home and a member of Tri Kappa philanthropic organization. Merle loved to garden and always enjoyed a good book. She also liked to cook for friends and family. After her beloved husband, Wayne, passed away in 1998, she rekindled her friendship with Duane Little, a high school friend. They traveled the U.S. until his passing in 2012.

Preceding in death were her husband, Wayne, and son, Reed F. Marquiss; her parents; three brothers, Keith F., Douglas A. and Dean H. Rhodenbaugh; and two sisters, Carol F. Yeater and Helen (Joan) Rhodenbaugh.

Merle is survived by her daughter, Kimberly A. Stokes (Dr. Thomas); son, Garry W. Marquiss (Jane); and grandchildren, Dr. Faye C. Stokes Harmon (Dr. Shane), Douglas T. Stokes, Christopher J. Marquiss, Dr. Andrea M. Marquiss, Taylor M. Gatzka (Jordan), Lauren M. Gann (Eric), Abigail R. Marquiss and Mallory L.F. Marquiss; as well as her great-grandchildren, Foster, Saylor, Piper, Maddoc and Cora.

The family will have a private celebration of life at a later date with interment at the Greenwood Cemetery in Michigan City, Indiana.

Please send condolences to the family at www.carlislefh.com.