Marilyn Buell

TRAVERSE CITY — Marilyn Anne Buell, 94, longtime resident of Traverse City, passed away Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010, at the Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City.Marilyn was born Sept. 11, 1915, to the late Bert and Myrtle (Laubach) Ekstine in Lansing. Very shortly after, as a young girl, Marilyn's family moved to Traverse City. Marilyn attended and graduated from St. Francis High School in 1932, a legacy that continued for four generations. After graduation, she attended nurses training at St. Mary's Hospital in Manistee. Marilyn entered into marriage with Royce Hugh Buell on June 7, 1938, in Traverse City.Marilyn worked as a tireless homemaker, cooking, canning and baking her entire life. Marilyn would prepare, host and bake for large family gatherings well into her 80s. Between Marilyn's famous pies and her outstanding pickles, her family remained well-nourished.Marilyn was an avid reader, picking up and reading most anything she could find. She often enjoyed her time with family over a friendly game of some sort, or time alone working a crossword puzzle.Marilyn was strong in her faith and was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church. She was also a member of Cherry Capitol Campers and was the last known surviving member of the Lone Tree Juniors Club.Marilyn is survived by her four sons, Jerry (Karen) Buell of Traverse City, Alan (Sharon) Buell of Kingsley, Phillip (Lonnie) Buell of Farmington, N.M.; her daughter, Chari (Milo) Schmuckal of Traverse City; 10 grandchildren, Michael, Jennifer, Kimberly, Douglas, Jeffery, Deborah, Matthew, Malissa, Brian and Angela; 25 great-grandchildren; and many other loving family members and friends.Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Royce in 2006; a son, Dennis Buell; a grandson, Gregory Buell; her sister, Elayne Bugai; and her parents.Visitation for friends and family will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with a 7 p.m. rosary directed by Deacon Rene Hoenscheid.A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 9, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with Rev. Kenneth Stachnick officiating. Graveside committal services will be held in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Francis Catholic School, Music Program; Father Fred Foundation; or Grand Traverse Pavilions.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Marilyn Buell

August 5, 2010