Marietta Eastlund

Marietta Eastlund, 81, living at 501 Pennsylvania Ave.(F-2), Garden Court East, since 1992, died, following a short illness, in Our Lady of Peace Hospital, South Bend, at 11:21 a.m. on Sunday, January 9, 2005.

Marietta dearly loved her family and they treasured her. She always saw the good in people.

Formerly of Nappanee, Marietta had lived in Plymouth since 1988, coming from Carrollton, Texas.

She was born in Bremen, Ind., on September 5, 1923, the daughter of John A. and Olive G. Manuwal Kaufman. She attended Inwood schools and received her high school diploma through the Plymouth Adult Education Program long after she attained senior citizen status, an accomplishment she was very proud of.

On May 9, 1970, in Nappanee, she and Allen E. “Ed” Eastlund were married.

For over 25 years, Marietta worked as a shoe sales clerk for Swearingen’s Shoe Store in Plymouth and later in Nappanee. She was a part-time computer operator with Real Services, Inc. for over nine years.

A dedicated and devoted volunteer for the Marshall County Museum, she and her husband both, were valued helpers. She enjoyed reading, crocheting and traveling.

She had been a member of the First United Church of Christ since 1988 and was active in Mary’s Circle.

Marietta is survived by her loving husband and by two daughters and three step-children. Her daughters are Marcia A. and Ron Martin and Melody A. and Doug Corey, all of Plymouth. Her step-children are Gary A. Eastlund, Leesburg, Ind.; Marvin E. and Phyllis Eastlund, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; and Sharon M. Gray, Lafayette, Ind.

Eighteen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren also survive, together with a brother, Art Kaufman of Plymouth and two sisters-in-law: Rose Kaufman, Lakeville and Pat Kaufman, Plymouth.

Several nieces and nephews survive as well.

Marietta was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Julia Mitchell and two brothers, Lowell and Bill Kaufman. A daughter-in-law, Barbara Eastlund has also died before her.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 11, 2005, in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1110 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, and for one hour prior to services in the church on Wednesday.

Church services on Wednesday, January 12, 2005, will be held in the First United Church of Christ, 321 N. Center St., Plymouth, at 11 a.m. The Rev. John M. Gantt, pastor of the church and the Rev. Dr. Ron Liechty, a former pastor, will officiate.

Burial will be in New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth.

Memorials in Marietta’s memory may be given to the First United Church of Christ or to a charity of the donor’s choice.