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Marcia Wagner

Marcia L. Wagner

April 4th, 1942 - January 11th, 2023

Marcia's Obituary

Marcia L. Wagner, 80, of Berrien Springs, departed this life on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, surrounded by family and her fur baby, Annie.

Marci was born on April 4, 1942, to Earl & Alice (Hallem) Dodson in Pittsburg, PA. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School and then continued her education at Lake Michigan College becoming a Registered Nurse-CRRN. She volunteered as a 4H leader, at the American Legion Post 85 in Berrien Springs, and in numerous fund-raising events. Marci had a passion for animals, especially dogs and birds. She enjoyed baking, cooking, painting, crafting, and spending time in her beautiful gardens. Her most cherished time was spent with her family. Marci was a force to be reckoned with, a true trailblazer throughout her life, she will always be remembered for her humor and big heart. When the end was near, she continued to make everyone smile with her jokes and laughter. Her family will miss her wit, humor, and love. Tiscornia Beach family gatherings will never feel the same, but they know she will always be watching over them.

Marci is survived by her children, Kimberly (Dan) Atherton of Coloma, Marcia Davis of St. Joseph, Melissa (Darrin) Jillson of Buchanan, Christopher (Jordan) Wagner of Berrien Springs, David (Carolyn) Rygg of Sumnerville, Jennifer (Smith) (Tom) Creek, Michael (Rose) Wagner, Joyce (Todd) Banick and Sheryl Smith; grandchildren, Dr. Harvey (Marla) Atherton, Jacob (Brandi) Atherton, Rebecca Atherton, Bruce (Melissa) Clevenger II, Lauren (Chad) Keeton, Morgan (Joseph) Hoadley, Lillian Jillson, Arthur “AJ” Jillson, Hayden Wagner, Paige Wagner and Abbigale Vogt; 21 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren with one on the way; siblings, Gail (Gene) Rose of Bridgman, Ruth (Hans) Hammer of Menifee, CA, Forrest (Jeanine) Dodson of Sitka Bay, AK; and Richard (Dr. Sharon) Dodson of Kalamazoo; sister-in-law Patricia Bowen of St. Joseph; and lifelong dearest friend and sister Shirley Garrison of Benton Harbor; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Marci was preceded in death by her parents, Earl & Alice Dodson; very special Uncle and Aunt, Forrest and Freda (Ingelow Kime) Moreland; significant other of 21 years, Thomas Smith; sons, Richard Duane Davis Jr. and Richard Allen Davis; brother Paul Dodson; and brother-in-law Hans Hammer.

Per Marci’s request, there will be no funeral service. Marci wanted her family and friends to gather together with a Mardi Gras style party on February 18, 2023, from 2pm to 6pm at the Berrien Springs American Legion, to celebrate her life and remember the happiness she brought to the lives of so many others. Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post 85, 112 N. Bluff Street, Berrien Springs, MI 49103 or Berrien County Animal Control, 1400 S. Euclid Ave., Benton Harbor, MI 49022. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.

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