Marian Walker Westgate

Marian Walker Westgate, age 99 of Fremont, passed away Sunday, October 11, 2009 at Fountain View of Fremont. Marian was born on June 23, 1910 in Dayton Center, the oldest child of Charles Vincent and Lottie Bly (Lewis) Walker. Marian attended Doud School, graduated from Fremont High School in 1930 and studied pharmacy at Ferris Institute in Big Rapids. Marian married Lloyd A. Westgate on June 9, 1935 in Muskegon and Lloyd preceded her in death on July 25, 2006. They lived in Syracuse, New York for a short time, then moved to Muskegon until 1998 when they moved back to Fremont. They built and operated the Muskegon KOA Campground in North Muskegon with Marian’s brother John and his wife. Upon retirement they traveled extensively, spending winters in Pharr, Texas.

Marian is survived by her children, Charles (Kathleen) Westgate of Jacksonville, Florida; Nancy Springstead of Fremont; James (Bette) Westgate of Fremont; grandchildren, Debra Brown; Suann Westgate, Julie (Steve) Springstead Waltz; Robert (Terri) Springstead; Carol Springstead; Gary (Kathryn) Springstead; Amy Visscher; Sara Westgate; J. Benjamin (Linda) Westgate; 14 great grandchildren; sister Julia (Robert) Ritterbush and brother John Walker. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Jeffrey Westgate, her brother Dean (Reathel) Walker and sisters Carolyn (John) Simonetti and Laurene (Roy) Mitchell.

Family graveside services were held on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at the Jewell Cemetery in Dayton Township with Rev. Carolin Spragg presiding. Friends may consider memorial contributions to the Fremont Area District Library, Local History Room, in memory of Marian. Friends may also send a condolence or share a memory with the Westgate family online at www.crandellfh.com Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel.

Westgate Family: I would like to send my condolence on the passing of your mom/grandmother. Your mom and dad were always a part of my life and I will always remember the wonderful times I had with both of them. Your mom/grandmother was such a beautiful woman with such a grace about her that I will always remember and cherish. There are no words that can take away the the grieving someone must do at the passing of a parent or grandparent, it happens to all of us at some point in our lives but remembering the influence they had on other people sometimes helps with that process. My thoughts are with you all in this process and my prayers are with you. God bless all of you.

Fondly, Maija L (Koski) Hayes and family - Wasilla, AK

Posted 10/18/2009

Bob and I would like to send our condolences to all of you on Aunt Marian’s passing. I have some great memories of your mom and dad stopping by our house in Houston (delivering a cabinet in the motor home!) as well as things we did at the Tip. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sheryl Walker

Posted 10/26/2009