Mrs. Marian Ann Barton died at 5:00 p.m. on December 18, 2020. Marian lived all of her life in St. Joseph, Michigan. She was born on August 5, 1931 to Harry and Elizabeth (Maul) Geisler and married the love of her life, Robert Barton, on April 7, 1951. Throughout her life, Marian maintained a warm and welcoming home for her family and friends, and expressed her love by preparing special meals and desserts. Her chocolate chip cookies, streudels, pies and special clown birthday cakes are fondly remembered. Her recipes and the special love that she put into her baking continue to delight, having been passed down through her children and grandchildren to her great-grandchildren.
Marian drove a special education bus for Blossomland Learning Center for thirteen years and was very fond of her ‘bus kids.’ She also volunteered for many years at Red Cross blood drives and at Spectrum Lakeland Hospital in its physical therapy section, cheering patients with a warm smile and a kind word as she assisted them through their difficult times. Throughout her life Marian enjoyed spending Sunday dinners, vacations, and holidays with her extended family. She was a lifelong and active member of Zion Church (Zion St. Joe UCC), and also enjoyed bowling, travel, and playing card games with her family and friends. In retirement, Marian and Bob spent their winters in Biloxi Mississippi, where she enjoyed the buffets at the local casinos and indulged her husband’s passion for golf, joining him for many rounds over the years.
Marian is survived by her husband of 69 years, Robert Barton; her daughter, Kathy Barton; her son and daughter-in-law, Tom (Denise) Barton; and her son and daughter-in-law, Jim (Mary Mason) Barton. She is also survived by her sister, Dona Wolske, nine grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Her grandchildren are: Jeremy and Jason Langdon; LaVon Broderick, Suzie Every, Tim Barton and Julie Barton; and Sarah Barton, Katherine Mason and Peter Barton.
Due to the pandemic, a funeral will be held with only the immediate family. A celebration of life is planned for her birthday next summer, when circumstances should permit her family and friends to safely gather together. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery next to her parents. Memorials may be made to Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ or Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to sign Marian’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.