Mary Ruth Nelson Girten, 94, died peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2013.
A longtime Plymouth resident, she was born on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1918, in Plymouth, the third of eight children of Walter and Stella Mae Nelson.
“Mother planned to go to a party that night,” Mary often said. “I don’t think she ever forgave me for spoiling her evening,” she joked.
Mary’s life has been full of joy.
Mary graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1936. She worked at the telephone company during the war and, in 1963, after her youngest child started first grade, she went to work in the cafeteria of the Plymouth Community School System’s Lincoln Junior High School.
The children who went through her food line still remember her cheery greetings. They have said that if she thought you looked like you needed more nourishment, or were too thin to suit her, your scoop of potatoes became larger and the gravy thicker.
She retired in 1994 at the age of 76.
Mary met her beloved Harry in 1939, at a Memorial Day parade on South Michigan Street. Their first dates were at the Plymouth Skating Palace.
“I loved to skate and so did he,” she said.
They were married on January 26, 1941. The babies came…with a short interruption during the war…early on in their marriage. Son Larry was born in 1941, followed by Dee and Lynn in ’42 and ’43. Anne came in 1946 and Bill in ’47. Little Jane was born in 1950, Patti in ’52 and Bob in 1955.
Jane, at 10-months of age, died tragically in a household accident.
The Girten home was always open to neighborhood children. Their backyard was constantly filled with kids from all over the south side of Plymouth. They’d make up intramural and summer league basketball teams.
The boys called themselves the “South Siders.” Now grown men, they still do.
Mary always had extra food. Advice too, if you wanted it, or sympathetic silence, if you did not.
In 2006, Mary was honored as Mother of the Year by the Plymouth Pilot.
She was a lifetime member of the Trinity United Methodist Church. Hert church and her family were the most important things in her life.
Mary was always involved in her children’s activities. A huge sports fan, she was the longest holder of season tickets to home football and basketball games and a Big Red Boosters club member. She was known by all of the students as “Grandma Girten.”
Mary leaves a large and loving family to cherish her memory.
Sunday nights were special at Mary’s house.
For years, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren would come to supper o Sunday evenings. There were usually upwards of 20 to 230 people there.
Mary would say that she never knew how many would come, but that all were welcome and welcome and “ we always seemed to have enough of everything.”
Especially love.
Her sons are: Larry (Amme) Girten: Bill (Donna) Girten, Bob Girten, all of Plymouth. The daughters are: Dee (Jim) Brown, Plymouth: Lynn (Steve) Jacox, Michigan City: Anne Gantz, Plymouth, and Patti Girten, Plymouth.
Two brothers also survive her death. They are: Wendell Nelson and Gordon Nelson. Three sisters survive as well: Joan (Fred) Wolff, Rosemarie Campbell and Helen “Mick” Nelson, all of Plymouth. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
Mary was preceded in death by a daughter, Jamie Louise Girten, her husband of 59 years, Harry Girten, and two brothers: James and Wayne Nelson.
Fourteen grandchildren survive Mary’s passing along with several step grand and great grandchildren.
The grandchildren are: Melanie (Tom) Van Dyke, Angie (Tim) Eads, Ronna (Ron) Sissel, Ted (Carol) Brown, Gina (James) Young, Nicole (Jason) Christy: Matt (Danielle) Gantz, Jill (Chris) Craig, Korey (Nate) Terronne, Blair Girten and Elizabeth, Katie (Brad) Clauss, Kasey (Evan) Record, Quentin (Ashley) Girten and Joel Girten.
Many thanks to special neighbors and care providers, Maureen and Cheryl.
Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 North Michigan Street, Plymouth.
Funeral services for Mary will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2013, in the funeral home with Rev. Mark Need, Pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church officiating.
Interment will follow in New Oakhill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Mary’s name may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 112 S. Center St., Plymouth, IN 46563, the Plymouth High School Athletic Department, 1 Big Red Dr., Plymouth, IN 46563 and the Trinity United Church, 425 S. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN 46563
Susie Reinholt says
Please accept my sincere condolences. You are all in my heart and prayers. I have nothing but fond memories of Harry and Mary Girten – what a truly blessed match now back together.
Jeanie Andrews Martin says
My sympathy and prayers to the Girten Family. Mary was such a strong yet sweet loving lady! She is with the love of her life once again.
Kris Snyder says
Sending prayers.
Paul Wendel says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Girten family, what neat parents you had. Mary always seemed to remember me and my daughter even in her advanced years, what great parents you all had, she will be missed by all.
Paul & Olivia Wendel
Marie J. Albertson says
Mary was always so joyful and brought a lot of love to all who had the pleasure of running into her. She was a shining example of motherhood.
Mary Beth Houin, Center for Hospice care says
So very sorry for the loss of your mother. I wish I could have gotten to know her. She sounds like a really neat lady, from what all you had told me. I feel very blessed to have been part of her care and to have gotten to know all of you. God Bless and my deepest sympathy to all the family.
Sue Chase says
It is with sadness that Larry and I read of Mary\’s passing. She and Harry were such wonderful role models for their family and community. Also she was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church with her family through the years.She was always so happy, and it showed in her every day life. She will be missed by all of you, but oh remember all of those family gatherings in their home and cherish them.
Paula Babcock says
Dear Angi and Tim,
We are so sorry about your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Paula and Ron Babcock
Francie & Dennis Beville says
Family Girten…please accept our sympathy in the loss of your loved one. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Alexander says
Dearest Girten Family, My sincere condolences to you all. Mr. and Mrs. Girten raised so many wonderful members of this community and that continues to grow with her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. You all have been blessed with her love. May all those memories bring you comfort.
Sincerely, Kathy & Family
Anonymous says
Our condolences to all the Girten family on the loss of your mother. She was special and we liked her so much.
Mary Jane(Parsons)Weidler &
Ray Pynaert
Mary Spoor says
Dear Angi and Tim,
You are in my prayers during this difficult time.
Thinking about all of you.
Mary
Kim Wright Morrison says
I\’ve known Mary for as long as I can remember, and she was definitely one of the sweetest \”lunch ladies\” that I have ever known! Mary was always smiling and full of compliments. The \”Girten\” family is a very special group of people because of Mary!
Dale & Dorothy Heflick says
May God bless the whole Girten family in this time of sorrow.
Barb Lowry says
Our deepest sympathy to the Girten/Nelson families. You now have another angel in heaven looking down on you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. God be with you and give you peace.
Barb & Bub Lowry
Janet Smith says
Girten Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Your mother was a loving, caring lady and will be missed. A mother with open arms to all the neighborhood kids.
Janet Metsker Smith
Bob Albertson says
To the whole Girten family I very sorry to hear about Mary\’s passing she was one special lady
And I\’m sure anyone that knew her would say the same and although I didn\’t see her much since I left Plymouth whenever I did she would welcome me with a big hug, she always treated me as part of the family & all I can think of are good memories that will be with me for the rest of my life
She will be missed
Take care, Bob Albertson
Kathy Tracy says
Dear Ann and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Ann, I remember her well and she was such a sweet caring lady.
Please know you are all in our prayers and thoughts at this time.
Sincerely,
Kathy and Avonell Tracy
Janet (Murray) Johnson says
Lynn,
I am so sorry to hear about your Mother. I remember her from years ago. She was a very sweet lady.
J
Holli Shorter Pifer says
To The Girten Family,
I have known all of you for many years and I know how much your mother meant to all of you. She will be greatly missed by this community. How wonderful she lived so long and touched so many lives. You will have many memories for years to pass down to your children and grandchildren.
God bless all of you.
Holli Shorter-Pifer
Bomber Wickey says
To All the Girten Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mary lived a long and fruitful life. Always had a kind word to say to everyone. Now she is in God\’s hands and her final resting place beside Harry. Prayers are coming your way during this difficult time.
Mary Lee Rudd says
To all the Girten family, I\’m so sorry for your loss. Although it was somewhat expected, it is none the less sad news. She was known and loved by many. We have all lost a great lady with Mary\’s passing.
Sincerely,
Mary Lee Rudd and family
Ray Uhlig Jr says
Larry, Patti, and the whole Girten family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. Ray Uhlig Jr.
Lucille Kniggendorf Leachman says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mary . She was a dear lady and I was happy to have known her for many years .
Lucy Kniggendorf Leachman
Roger & Cindi Eads says
Thoughts are with your families. What a special lady she was!
Chuck & Marilee Johnson says
Dear Girten Family, Chuck and I are in Florida. We are so sorry we can not be there to Celebrate Mary\’s Life! What a Wonderful Woman! We feel Blessed to have known Mary and will cherish all the memories. I believe we know each and every one of Mary\’s kids. Chuck probably had most of them in school, or sports events! Plus, knowing her sisters and brothers! Our sincere Sympathy to each and Everyone of YOU!
Love,
Chuck and Marilee Johnson
Linda & Dave Zeider says
To a Special family of a Special Lady:
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Mary was a sweet and kind lady who will be missed by all. I will always remember her smile and kind words when I greeted her. Now she has joined Harry and they are looking down and smiling on all of us.
Linda & Dave Zeider
Denny Dittrick says
Patti-
I was so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a wonderful lady and a real sweetheart. She sure will be missed..
.
God Bless you and all your family,
Denny Dittrick
Nanette Miller Durbin says
My Prayers and thoughts go out to you all . Your Mother is at peace and with the los of her life God Bless
Lucille kniggendorf leachman says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mary . She was a dear lady and I was happy to have known her for many years .
Lucy kniggendorf LEACHMAN
Bonnie Beals Essex says
To Larry, Dee, Lynn, and Ann…..
……as well as the younger siblings I do not know, I was very sorry to learn of the loss of your dear mother. It is quite obvious, upon reading her obituary, that she will certainly be missed in the Plymouth community. What a BLESSING all of you had to have had such a wonderful mother and role model……and it sounds like your father was very special, too. I didn\’t know your folks well, but I do know that I have very special memories that I treasure of growing up with several of you Girten children. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of loss.
Bonnie
Becky Wade says
To All of The Girten Family
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Mary was a wonderful woman and so many of us are blessed to have known her. Your whole family was blessed to have parents like Harry and Mary. Cherish the
memories which we know there are many. Our prayers are with you ALL during this difficult time.
Love to you all,
Al and Becky Wade
Jerry Ringle says
I played in that back yard and grew up with the Girten kids. Mr. and Mrs. Girten welcomed all who came and made everyone feel as though they had true worth. We should all learn by their example. We could use more Harry and Mary Girtens. Our prayers are with you.
Jerry and Christine Ringle
Kathy Jung Parker says
To the whole Girten family,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. I did not know your Mom, but have known a lot of you \”kids\”. She must have been a wonderful person.
Don & Kathy (Jung) Parker
Kay Murray Bauer says
Every morning stopped at Girten home to walk to school with Ann. A big, noisy happy family and Mary was certainly the heart of it all. Fond memories.
Julie Weidner says
Dear Girten Family, Although it is always difficult to lose a beloved parent, we hope that each of you finds peace and comfort in the wonderful memories of Mary and the legacy of family closeness that will live on for generations to come.
The Schroeder Family, Dave, Carol, Julie & Jan
Susan (Martin) Allen says
Our thoughts and prayers for your Family. Your mom was a very special lady who will be greatly missed.
Bill , Sue (Martin) Allen
and Family
Rita and Jack Simpson says
Jack and I were planning to come to Mary\’s viewing today, but we have been sick and thought
better of it. I am much better, but Jack has really been sick for 2 days. He wanted me to send his
love and special thoughts of Mary and what a great mother she was to all of them. He often speaks
of how her door was always open to everyone and she always had enough food to feed anyone who
came by. As we get older, we don\’t forget the kindness of others and truely Mary knew how to
share the love. I know you will miss her greatly. You only have one mother in this life and that
special bond does not end in death. We will be thinking of all of you at this time.
Richard and Marsha Warren Botset says
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. We are never ready to lose our loved ones, but it should be a comfort to know that she loved her family so very much. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Rick Derf says
Mary was one of the sweetest people I ever met and she raised an outstanding family. She and Harry were Plymouth fixtures. I have many fond memories of their loving children My thoughts and prayers are with the family. She will be missed, but she will be waiting to greet us one day when we pass through the gates of Heaven. Mary lived a life centered on the Golden Rule; she was dedicated to others and did for them what she would have hoped someone would do for her if she were in their circumstance.
Love,
Rick and Marty Derf (Mr. & Mrs. Big Time Radio)
Donna Taber Whitmer says
To The Girten Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May she soar with the angels…..
Cathy Glaub says
Sorry to hear about your loss. Your mom was a wonderful person she always had a smile on her face when you would see her. I have a lot of great memories growing up on the south side.
Julie and Rick Gilley says
Thoughts and prayers are with the Girten Family. So lucky to have known such special people!!! Mary and Harry are dancing in Heaven now!!
Steve Listenberger says
I was sorry to hear of Your loss. Mary was a good neighbor. I liked the white dog also. I will remember them both with a warm smile.
Bob & Ann Kershenr says
Our thought and prayers are with your family.
Jennifer & Chuck Houin says
Praying for the enitre Girten family to find peace in their hearts!
Love always,
Chuck, Jennifer, Luke and Grant Houin
Neys McFarland says
Your mother was just the sweetest lady. May she rest in peace. Our thoughts are with her family.
Cliff Zeider says
My Sympathy to the Girten family, I knew Mary while reading meters for NIPSCO and then when I moved into her neighbor hood. She was a lovely lady and always was nice to me. She will be missed by all who was lucky enough to have known her. Cliff Z Port St. Joe Fl.
Gregory A Amones says
To Patti and the rest of the Girten family. Thinking of you and your family. Your mother was a fond memory of my school years and will continue to be as long as I think about my younger years.
Kay , John and Stephanie Metsker says
Dear Girten family our neighborhood lost a great lady. You could always expect a smile and a wave from Mary and Harry. I am so sorry for your loss, but you will always remember all the things that made her life so great and memorable.
Lucille Kniggendorf Leachman says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mary . She was a dear lady and I was happy to have known her for many years .
Lucy Kniggendorf LEACHMAN
phil milner says
Sympathy to all the Girtens, especially Larry and Dee, who Marilyn and I knew. I was part of the south side crew. I\’m glad both your parents had a long and full life, and you must have great memories. I\’ve not enjoyed going through condolences as much as these> I knew your mum best when I was your South Bend Tribune paperboy, in 1953 and – 4, as I figure it now. I would go to yoru kitchen door, collect my 35 cents, hang around for a siting of Dee, whom I loved then, and talk to Mrs. Girten,who knew I was very happy hanging out. She was a busy woman, but she\’d let me hang for a while. She\’d talk, and I\’d watch her deal with small crises, and then she\’d tell me I\’d better leave and finish my collecting. Mr. Girten, by the way, had a sidelight of fixing television sets in those earliest days of television, and he fixed ours until we left Dickson Street for Liberty Street. Love to all things Girten. Marilyn & Phil Milner
Becki Hampton Felten says
I couldn\’t agree more with Phil Milner\’s observations. In reading the condolence messages, it is obvious what an impact Mary Ruth and Harry had on their family, their church and their community. I have fond memories of spending time in the Girten home. Growing up in the same church and knowing the \’older\’ Girten children, I was fortunate to be a part of their friendship and wisdom. I\’m sure you are all feeling the loss but it\’s hard to be sad when one has left such a wonderful legacy. She is at peace and reunited with Harry. What a reunion that must have been! To the Girten/Nelson families: May you all feel God\’s presence as you go on without Mary Ruth..
Tami Brock says
Girten family,
Our deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your momma. Her legacy will live on through you all! Peace and blessings in the days and months ahead as you remember her life and celebrate all that she stood for.
Love, Art and Tami Brock
Susie Reinholt says
Please accept my sincere condolences. You are all in my heart and prayers. I have nothing but fond memories of Harry and Mary Girten – what a truly blessed match now back together.
Jeanie Andrews Martin says
My sympathy and prayers to the Girten Family. Mary was such a strong yet sweet loving lady! She is with the love of her life once again.
Kris Snyder says
Sending prayers.
Paul Wendel says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Girten family, what neat parents you had. Mary always seemed to remember me and my daughter even in her advanced years, what great parents you all had, she will be missed by all.
Paul & Olivia Wendel
Marie J. Albertson says
Mary was always so joyful and brought a lot of love to all who had the pleasure of running into her. She was a shining example of motherhood.
Mary Beth Houin, Center for Hospice care says
So very sorry for the loss of your mother. I wish I could have gotten to know her. She sounds like a really neat lady, from what all you had told me. I feel very blessed to have been part of her care and to have gotten to know all of you. God Bless and my deepest sympathy to all the family.
Sue Chase says
It is with sadness that Larry and I read of Mary\’s passing. She and Harry were such wonderful role models for their family and community. Also she was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church with her family through the years.She was always so happy, and it showed in her every day life. She will be missed by all of you, but oh remember all of those family gatherings in their home and cherish them.
Paula Babcock says
Dear Angi and Tim,
We are so sorry about your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Paula and Ron Babcock
Francie & Dennis Beville says
Family Girten…please accept our sympathy in the loss of your loved one. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Alexander says
Dearest Girten Family, My sincere condolences to you all. Mr. and Mrs. Girten raised so many wonderful members of this community and that continues to grow with her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. You all have been blessed with her love. May all those memories bring you comfort.
Sincerely, Kathy & Family
Anonymous says
Our condolences to all the Girten family on the loss of your mother. She was special and we liked her so much.
Mary Jane(Parsons)Weidler &
Ray Pynaert
Mary Spoor says
Dear Angi and Tim,
You are in my prayers during this difficult time.
Thinking about all of you.
Mary
Kim Wright Morrison says
I\’ve known Mary for as long as I can remember, and she was definitely one of the sweetest \”lunch ladies\” that I have ever known! Mary was always smiling and full of compliments. The \”Girten\” family is a very special group of people because of Mary!
Dale & Dorothy Heflick says
May God bless the whole Girten family in this time of sorrow.
Barb Lowry says
Our deepest sympathy to the Girten/Nelson families. You now have another angel in heaven looking down on you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. God be with you and give you peace.
Barb & Bub Lowry
Janet Smith says
Girten Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Your mother was a loving, caring lady and will be missed. A mother with open arms to all the neighborhood kids.
Janet Metsker Smith
Bob Albertson says
To the whole Girten family I very sorry to hear about Mary\’s passing she was one special lady
And I\’m sure anyone that knew her would say the same and although I didn\’t see her much since I left Plymouth whenever I did she would welcome me with a big hug, she always treated me as part of the family & all I can think of are good memories that will be with me for the rest of my life
She will be missed
Take care, Bob Albertson
Kathy Tracy says
Dear Ann and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Ann, I remember her well and she was such a sweet caring lady.
Please know you are all in our prayers and thoughts at this time.
Sincerely,
Kathy and Avonell Tracy
Janet (Murray) Johnson says
Lynn,
I am so sorry to hear about your Mother. I remember her from years ago. She was a very sweet lady.
J
Holli Shorter Pifer says
To The Girten Family,
I have known all of you for many years and I know how much your mother meant to all of you. She will be greatly missed by this community. How wonderful she lived so long and touched so many lives. You will have many memories for years to pass down to your children and grandchildren.
God bless all of you.
Holli Shorter-Pifer
Bomber Wickey says
To All the Girten Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mary lived a long and fruitful life. Always had a kind word to say to everyone. Now she is in God\’s hands and her final resting place beside Harry. Prayers are coming your way during this difficult time.
Mary Lee Rudd says
To all the Girten family, I\’m so sorry for your loss. Although it was somewhat expected, it is none the less sad news. She was known and loved by many. We have all lost a great lady with Mary\’s passing.
Sincerely,
Mary Lee Rudd and family
Ray Uhlig Jr says
Larry, Patti, and the whole Girten family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. Ray Uhlig Jr.
Lucille Kniggendorf Leachman says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mary . She was a dear lady and I was happy to have known her for many years .
Lucy Kniggendorf Leachman
Roger & Cindi Eads says
Thoughts are with your families. What a special lady she was!
Chuck & Marilee Johnson says
Dear Girten Family, Chuck and I are in Florida. We are so sorry we can not be there to Celebrate Mary\’s Life! What a Wonderful Woman! We feel Blessed to have known Mary and will cherish all the memories. I believe we know each and every one of Mary\’s kids. Chuck probably had most of them in school, or sports events! Plus, knowing her sisters and brothers! Our sincere Sympathy to each and Everyone of YOU!
Love,
Chuck and Marilee Johnson
Linda & Dave Zeider says
To a Special family of a Special Lady:
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Mary was a sweet and kind lady who will be missed by all. I will always remember her smile and kind words when I greeted her. Now she has joined Harry and they are looking down and smiling on all of us.
Linda & Dave Zeider
Denny Dittrick says
Patti-
I was so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a wonderful lady and a real sweetheart. She sure will be missed..
.
God Bless you and all your family,
Denny Dittrick
Nanette Miller Durbin says
My Prayers and thoughts go out to you all . Your Mother is at peace and with the los of her life God Bless
Lucille kniggendorf leachman says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mary . She was a dear lady and I was happy to have known her for many years .
Lucy kniggendorf LEACHMAN
Bonnie Beals Essex says
To Larry, Dee, Lynn, and Ann…..
……as well as the younger siblings I do not know, I was very sorry to learn of the loss of your dear mother. It is quite obvious, upon reading her obituary, that she will certainly be missed in the Plymouth community. What a BLESSING all of you had to have had such a wonderful mother and role model……and it sounds like your father was very special, too. I didn\’t know your folks well, but I do know that I have very special memories that I treasure of growing up with several of you Girten children. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of loss.
Bonnie
Becky Wade says
To All of The Girten Family
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Mary was a wonderful woman and so many of us are blessed to have known her. Your whole family was blessed to have parents like Harry and Mary. Cherish the
memories which we know there are many. Our prayers are with you ALL during this difficult time.
Love to you all,
Al and Becky Wade
Jerry Ringle says
I played in that back yard and grew up with the Girten kids. Mr. and Mrs. Girten welcomed all who came and made everyone feel as though they had true worth. We should all learn by their example. We could use more Harry and Mary Girtens. Our prayers are with you.
Jerry and Christine Ringle
Kathy Jung Parker says
To the whole Girten family,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. I did not know your Mom, but have known a lot of you \”kids\”. She must have been a wonderful person.
Don & Kathy (Jung) Parker
Kay Murray Bauer says
Every morning stopped at Girten home to walk to school with Ann. A big, noisy happy family and Mary was certainly the heart of it all. Fond memories.
Julie Weidner says
Dear Girten Family, Although it is always difficult to lose a beloved parent, we hope that each of you finds peace and comfort in the wonderful memories of Mary and the legacy of family closeness that will live on for generations to come.
The Schroeder Family, Dave, Carol, Julie & Jan
Susan (Martin) Allen says
Our thoughts and prayers for your Family. Your mom was a very special lady who will be greatly missed.
Bill , Sue (Martin) Allen
and Family
Rita and Jack Simpson says
Jack and I were planning to come to Mary\’s viewing today, but we have been sick and thought
better of it. I am much better, but Jack has really been sick for 2 days. He wanted me to send his
love and special thoughts of Mary and what a great mother she was to all of them. He often speaks
of how her door was always open to everyone and she always had enough food to feed anyone who
came by. As we get older, we don\’t forget the kindness of others and truely Mary knew how to
share the love. I know you will miss her greatly. You only have one mother in this life and that
special bond does not end in death. We will be thinking of all of you at this time.
Richard and Marsha Warren Botset says
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. We are never ready to lose our loved ones, but it should be a comfort to know that she loved her family so very much. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Rick Derf says
Mary was one of the sweetest people I ever met and she raised an outstanding family. She and Harry were Plymouth fixtures. I have many fond memories of their loving children My thoughts and prayers are with the family. She will be missed, but she will be waiting to greet us one day when we pass through the gates of Heaven. Mary lived a life centered on the Golden Rule; she was dedicated to others and did for them what she would have hoped someone would do for her if she were in their circumstance.
Love,
Rick and Marty Derf (Mr. & Mrs. Big Time Radio)
Donna Taber Whitmer says
To The Girten Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May she soar with the angels…..
Cathy Glaub says
Sorry to hear about your loss. Your mom was a wonderful person she always had a smile on her face when you would see her. I have a lot of great memories growing up on the south side.
Julie and Rick Gilley says
Thoughts and prayers are with the Girten Family. So lucky to have known such special people!!! Mary and Harry are dancing in Heaven now!!
Steve Listenberger says
I was sorry to hear of Your loss. Mary was a good neighbor. I liked the white dog also. I will remember them both with a warm smile.
Bob & Ann Kershenr says
Our thought and prayers are with your family.
Jennifer & Chuck Houin says
Praying for the enitre Girten family to find peace in their hearts!
Love always,
Chuck, Jennifer, Luke and Grant Houin
Neys McFarland says
Your mother was just the sweetest lady. May she rest in peace. Our thoughts are with her family.
Cliff Zeider says
My Sympathy to the Girten family, I knew Mary while reading meters for NIPSCO and then when I moved into her neighbor hood. She was a lovely lady and always was nice to me. She will be missed by all who was lucky enough to have known her. Cliff Z Port St. Joe Fl.
Gregory A Amones says
To Patti and the rest of the Girten family. Thinking of you and your family. Your mother was a fond memory of my school years and will continue to be as long as I think about my younger years.
Kay , John and Stephanie Metsker says
Dear Girten family our neighborhood lost a great lady. You could always expect a smile and a wave from Mary and Harry. I am so sorry for your loss, but you will always remember all the things that made her life so great and memorable.
Lucille Kniggendorf Leachman says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mary . She was a dear lady and I was happy to have known her for many years .
Lucy Kniggendorf LEACHMAN
phil milner says
Sympathy to all the Girtens, especially Larry and Dee, who Marilyn and I knew. I was part of the south side crew. I\’m glad both your parents had a long and full life, and you must have great memories. I\’ve not enjoyed going through condolences as much as these> I knew your mum best when I was your South Bend Tribune paperboy, in 1953 and – 4, as I figure it now. I would go to yoru kitchen door, collect my 35 cents, hang around for a siting of Dee, whom I loved then, and talk to Mrs. Girten,who knew I was very happy hanging out. She was a busy woman, but she\’d let me hang for a while. She\’d talk, and I\’d watch her deal with small crises, and then she\’d tell me I\’d better leave and finish my collecting. Mr. Girten, by the way, had a sidelight of fixing television sets in those earliest days of television, and he fixed ours until we left Dickson Street for Liberty Street. Love to all things Girten. Marilyn & Phil Milner
Becki Hampton Felten says
I couldn\’t agree more with Phil Milner\’s observations. In reading the condolence messages, it is obvious what an impact Mary Ruth and Harry had on their family, their church and their community. I have fond memories of spending time in the Girten home. Growing up in the same church and knowing the \’older\’ Girten children, I was fortunate to be a part of their friendship and wisdom. I\’m sure you are all feeling the loss but it\’s hard to be sad when one has left such a wonderful legacy. She is at peace and reunited with Harry. What a reunion that must have been! To the Girten/Nelson families: May you all feel God\’s presence as you go on without Mary Ruth..
Tami Brock says
Girten family,
Our deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your momma. Her legacy will live on through you all! Peace and blessings in the days and months ahead as you remember her life and celebrate all that she stood for.
Love, Art and Tami Brock