Marietta Lee Obituary (1950

Marietta Lee, 66, of Dowagiac, passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at her home surrounded by her family. Marietta was born on September 18, 1950 in Benton Harbor, MI the first daughter of two that were born to Floyd and Pauline (Marcott) Rextrew. At a very young age Marietta's father passed away and within time her mother remarried to the man that would help raise her into the strong willed lady she was; Morris J. Ezzell. Marietta grew up in in the Sister Lakes area enjoying her childhood on the lake and the local hangout, Ramona Skating Rink. Marietta married her loving husband of 48 years John C. Lee on April 21, 1968, soon after they had their first child, a son John C. Lee, Jr. a few years later their daughter Shelly Ann followed. They made their home in Dowagiac, MI where Marietta worked for 9 years at Du Wels as a machine operator. But Marietta's true calling was working as a bus driver for the Dowagiac Union School and Lewis Cass School Districts for 35 years. Throughout those years hundreds of children stepped foot on her bus and Marietta could tell you something about each and every one of them. Each child was always greeted with a warm smile and a big "Hello" and she truly cared about knowing about what was going on in their lives. Marietta was an avid gardener growing all sorts of flowers, shrubs and ornamental grasses. She won awards for her beautiful yard and took much pride in growing all sorts of plants. Some of Marietta's happiest moments in life were spent with her family and friends. She enjoyed going out to breakfast with retired school bus drivers or the occasional shopping trip with them. She looked forward to her summer vacations down south with her husband, children and grand-children. They would visit such places as Dollywood and Myrtle Beach; and of course there were those summer nights spent at the local 4-H fair watching her favorite country artist perform. But most of all there was Christmas time; every Christmas Eve was spent hosting all of the family for a holiday feast and gift exchange where Marietta always played Santa. Marietta is survived by her husband; John C. Lee. Her son: John C. (Jackie) Lee Jr. Her ex-daughter in-law: Paula Lee. Her daughter: Shelly Ann (Eric) Davis, Sister: Janice Lindley, 6 grandchildren: Bryce Hughes, Marissa Lee, Jaxon Lee, Whitney Lee, Maurice Davis and Jessa Davis. 2 great grandchildren: Kayden and Amelia Hughes, 2 nieces: Dawn (Bruce) Haney and Heidi (Arturio) Benavides. 1 great nephew, Gavin Benavides and 1 great niece: Alessandra Benavides. She is preceded in death by her parents: Floyd Rextrew, Pauline Ezzell and Morris J. Ezzell. Visitation for Marietta will be held from 5-7 pm on Monday, September 26, 2016 at Victory Tabernacle, Dowagiac, MI and prior to the service from 9-11 am on Tuesday.Funeral services for Marietta will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 also at Victory Tabernacle, with Pastor Paul Hodge officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Cass County Cancer Services, Inc., P.O. Box 676, Edwardsburg, MI 49112. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan.