Marian J. Bortell

Marian J. Bortell, age 96, of Jonesville, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at her home. She was born on July 30, 1929, in Hillsdale, to Franklin and Blanche (Freed) Norris. She married Roland Bortell on August 13, 1950, and he preceded her in death on August 14, 2022.
Marian graduated from Jonesville High School and went on to attend Grand Cleary Business College in Ypsilanti. She worked for many years at Jonesville Products before retiring. Marian kept herself busy by being active in several different clubs including the Jonesville Pythian Sisters, Scipio Child Study Club, and Happy Seniors of Jonesville. She was also an active member at Jonesville United Methodist Church. Marian loved watching the Jonesville basketball and baseball teams and hardly missed a single game ever since her children were young.
Marian is survived by three daughters, Cynthia (Michael) Chapman, Denise Briggs, and Valerie (Jeff) Neeb; one daughter-in-law, Michelle Bortell of Battle Creek; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 72 years, Roland; one son, Russell Bortell; one great-grandson, Rage Nardini; one sister, Charlotte Decker; and one son-in-law, Mike Briggs.
Funeral services for Marian Bortell will take place on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Eagle Funeral Home in Jonesville with Pastor Tina Zimmerman officiating. Family interment will take place at a later date at Johnson Cemetery in Jonesville. The family will receive friends for visitation on Monday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice of Hillsdale County or the Jonesville United Methodist Church.