Marsha Schieber

Marsha Schieber was a spirited, fun-loving woman; always the “life of the party!” She was also an excellent baker and nurturer, who loved her family and friends above all else. Her motto to live by was “kindness matters.”

Born on October 17, 1944 in Marshall, Michigan to Walter and Thelma (Hartung) Roberts, Marsha was the older of two children. Walter and Thelma worked hard to raise Marsha and her younger brother, Michael. Walter was the manager for Nichols Bakery in Portage while Thelma was employed at Meijer’s stores as a store detective. The years that Marsha was growing up were wonderful years for raising a family. Even though the “Cold War” was right around the corner, most Americans were enjoying peace and prosperity. Marsha played with her friends and attended Galesburg-Augusta Schools. Even at such a young age, Marsha’s social exuberance became apparent. She joined all of the social clubs that she could and became involved in the Student Council. Listening to rock and roll music and dancing the night away was something Marsha loved to do.

After graduating from high school in 1962, Marsha worked for AAA. (She had started working for them during a co-op program at school when she was seventeen.) Marsha soon married and had three beautiful children: Stephanie, Sandi and Morgan. The three children became Marsha’s focus in life. She stayed home to raise them, only working around the holidays to earn extra money. When the children were older, Marsha started working for Fema Corporation in Portage where she worked on the line. Later she found employment in the animal research department at Western Michigan University where she worked until two years ago.

Marsha was a fun-loving mom who stayed involved in all aspects of her children’s’ lives. When they were little she took great pride in teaching them how to tie their shoes at an early age. She noticed their early progress in other areas as well. When the children were older, she took beautifully decorated cupcakes to school for a celebration of George Washington’s birthday, complete with cherries and tiny hatchets on top!

Holidays and parties were occasions that Marsha reveled in. The house would be decorated for each occasion in its entire splendor. To add to the festivities, Marsha would bake for the holidays. She was an extraordinary baker specializing in fudge, cookies and awesome popcorn balls.

Marsha, who was diabetic, never let that stand in the way of enjoying life. She was a jokester with a wicked sense of humor. She was known for locking people in the port-a-john at the golf course, driving away with people half-way in the car, and sending cards that were funny and a little bit naughty! It was not uncommon for Marsha to go up to complete strangers and pinch them on the butt, thinking that they were someone she knew.

Always the life of the party, Marsha never looked or acted her age. She loved dancing and singing (although her singing was off-key) and flirting with all the guys! Everyone at her favorite store knew her by name, which is not surprising since Marsha was drawn to others and they in turn were drawn to her. She made sure whoever she was with received her full attention. She was the center that kept family and friends together.

In her quieter moments, Marsha could be found gardening, reading Oprah books, watching QVC and bidding for things on Ebay. She also enjoyed collecting Hummel’s, frogs and Halloween decorations. When she could, she golfed and played cards with her family and friends.

This past July, Marsha was diagnosed with bile duct cancer. She took it all in stride, staying positive and keeping her sense of humor. She moved to Muskegon to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Sandi and Steve. Things moved quickly the last week, but Marsha was there surrounded by those who loved her the most; her family and friends.

Marsha Schieber was an exuberant, fun-loving woman who loved a good time and enjoyed making others smile. She was full of life, full of spirit and full of love. The love of her family and friends will be the mark she leaves behind. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her in the short time she was given.

Marsha K. Schieber passed away Saturday evening, August 30, 2008 at her daughter’s home in Norton Shores. She is survived by three children: Stephanie (Thomas) Hazel of N. Potomac, MD, Sandi (Steven) Brinn of Norton Shores, and Morgan Schieber of Riverside, CA; six grandchildren: Sam, Cooper, and Sawyer Hazel, Violet, Grady, and Jackson Brinn; her father, Walter Roberts of Las Vegas; a brother, Michael Roberts , his wife Patti; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother. A celebration of Marsha’s life will be held Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Homes, Betzler – Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive; 375-2900. Following the service, food and fellowship will be shared in the Life Story Center. Please visit Marsha’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign her guest book online before coming to the funeral home, or make memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association.