Marie Backus

Marie Tracy Backus, 93, of St. Joseph, formerly of Bridgman passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at Oak Crest Manor, Holland.

Funeral services will be held 11 AM Monday, January 16, 2012 at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman with Reverend Richard Hennig officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Friends may meet with the family from 10-11 AM at the funeral home on Monday. Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd, Holland MI 49423 or a charity of one’s choice.

Marie was born September 15, 1918 in Bridgman the daughter of the late Joseph and Martha (Backus) Menser. On June 4, 1938 she married Raymond W. Backus and he preceded her in death on March 2, 2004. Marie worked as a secretary for Benton Harbor Public Schools for 20 years before her retirement. She was a volunteer for 50 years at Mercy Hospital, Mercy-Memorial Hospital and Lakeland Hospital. Marie loved to watch and feed the wild birds, especially Cardinals. She and her husband Raymond were faithful members of St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Benton Harbor for over 60 years.

Marie and her family were grateful to the administration and staffs at Woodland Terrace in Bridgman, Oak Crest Manor in Holland and Hospice of Holland for the wonderful care she received while she was with them.

Survivors include her children - Raymond J. (Barbara) Backus of Zeeland and Gary (Karen) Backus of Petoskey; grandchildren - Andrew Backus of Petoskey, Brian (Sheri) Backus of Holland, Michael (Tracy) Backus of Haslett, Christopher (Emily) Backus of East Grand Rapids; granddaughters-in-law - Terri Minor and Meadow Backus; great grandchildren - Kayla, Ashley, Logan, Cole, Riley, Jack, Clare, Will, Nicholas, Zachary, Emily and Alexandra; Brothers: Joseph Menser Jr of Bridgman, Emil Menser of Florida and William Menser of Sturgis; Many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents - Joseph & Martha Menser; sisters - Marjorie Kolberg, Carolyn Lozeau and Josephine Smith; grandson - Charles Backus; sisters-in-laws - Ruth Menser, Lee Menser, Irene Menser, Joyce Backus, Mary Backus, Betty Porter, Hannah Stelter and Helen Kolberg; and brothers-in-laws - Joseph Lozeau, Glen Smith, Willard Backus, Henry Backus, Gene Porter, Emil Stelter, Barny Barnhart, Arthur Kolberg.