June 12, 1947 - Sept. 20, 2012

EDWARDSBURG, Mich. — Marjorie Kay Checkley, 65, affectionately known as “Grandma Kay,” passed to her rest Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012, in her home after an illness.

She was born June 12, 1947, in Elkhart, Ind., to Robert M. and Nellie L. (Giggy) Checkley.

Marge grew up in Edwardsburg, where she lived all her life, and graduated from Edwardsburg High School.

Marge was employed at Bayer Corp. in quality control and has done day care in her home for several years.

She was a member of New Hope United Methodist Church in Elkhart and was a long-time donor to St. Jude’s Hospital.

Surviving are her children, Tracy (Ronald Sr.) Snyder of Cassopolis, Tammi Jo Cartright of Granger, Ind., Terri (Scott) Gipson of Edwardsburg and Chad (Cary) Hayes of Hudsonville. There are nine loving grandchildren, Elecia Hunsberger, Ronnie Snyder Jr., Jennifer Abel, Elizabeth Abel, Morgan Mock, Mackenzie Mock, Megan Gipson, Madison Gipson and Brennan Hayes. She has three affectionate great-grandchildren, Hailey Hunsberger, Raleigh Hunsberger and Gabriel Gilbert. Marge has two sisters and two brothers, Loretta Freshour of Edwardsburg, Sally (John) Beckwith of Edwardsburg, Robert “Bill” (Bonnie) Checkley of Cassopolis and Gary (Cindy) Checkley of Elkhart. Other extended family are four half sisters and half brothers, Nancy Ruminer, John Checkley, Don Checkley and Tom Checkley, all of Dowagiac.

Family who have preceded her in passing are her parents, Robert Checkley and Nellie Checkley-Cates; her stepfather, James K. Cates; and a nephew, Brian Checkley.

Friends and family may gather from 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, at New Hope United Methodist Church, Elkhart. The service of remembrance is at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, at the church. The Rev. Lee Campbell, pastor, will officiate.

Cremation will follow the service.

Burial of cremains is at a later date in Adamsville Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Cass County Cancer Services, P.O. Box 676, Edwardsburg, MI 49112-0676.

The arrangements are by Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.

"