Mary Ellen Gerhard (Huber)

Mary Ellen Gerhard (Rowley-Huber), age 80, of Kentwood, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 5, 2019, after a brief illness and is now home with her Lord and Savior.  She was preceded in death by parents, James and Eulalia Rowley; brother, Michael John Rowley; sister, Eileen Patricia Mahan.  Mary Ellen will be lovingly remembered by her children, Matthew Huber, Mark and Kathy Huber, Holly and Dominique Ratinaud, Laura and Bryan Koster; grandchildren, Melissa and Jim Casarez, Emily and Matt Karas, Sarah Huber, Michael and Brianne Huber, Kelly and Brad Nowak, Nicholas, Jeremy and Christina Ratinaud, Ben and Courtney Koster, Adam Koster, Olivia Koster, Grace Koster; great-grandchildren, Brianna, Richard, and Savannah Casarez, Ariana and James Huber, Carson, Brynn, and Harper Nowak, with three more great-grandchildren on the way; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Mary Ellen’s family was both her purpose and her passion in life. Being a mother and grandma was the most important role in her life and God gave her special talents and gifts to fulfill her calling. She treasured the time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved to capture those special moments with her camera. She will be remembered for her kindness which she poured out abundantly on her family, friends and even those she had never met in person. Those who knew and loved her will miss the smile on her face, the touch of her hands, the warmth of her hugs, the encouragement and comfort of her words, and the love she shared so generously. Although she will be forever missed, she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will always cherish.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 13, 2019, 11 am at St. Mary Magdalene Church, 1253 52nd St. SE, Kentwood, 49508 with Fr. Peter Vu presiding.  Interment Resurrection Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family on Thursday from 4:30 to 8 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW, and from 10 to 11 am Friday at the church. A Vigil Service will be held 8 pm following the visitation on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Make a Wish Foundation.

Leave Your Tribute Message

September 16, 2019 4:16am
My heartfelt sympathy to Mary Ellen's family. I knew her from St. Mary Magdalen. We served together on committees and at events for many years. She was a beautiful person, I will miss her smile and friendship..

- Monica Dean

September 10, 2019 1:38pm
My deepest sympathy to Mary Ellen's family. I met Mary Ellen when we were assigned to the same homeroom at DeVilbiss High School in Toledo, Ohio in 1953. Her smile and attitude were astounding. She may be one of the best persons I have known in my 80 years on this big blue marble. I am sure that she will be missed by everyone whoever knew her.

- David L Harmon

September 09, 2019 6:44pm
Mary Ellen was a wonderful cousin to me. She was one year younger than I. We grew up together in Toledo and saw each other often as children before I moved to California. The last time I saw her was about 20 years ago. We met at our grandmother's old house on Calumet Avenue in Toledo and got a tour of the place which we hadn't seen for about 45 years. We had a grand time reminiscing. What a fine lady she was!

- Tom Whalen

September 09, 2019 7:20am
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Mary Ellen. She was such a great neighbor to us when we lived across the street from her! Prayers for you all.

- Carol (Bassett) Meyer

September 07, 2019 1:57pm
I'm smiling, right now. I'd talked to MEG several times, in the past few years; just months ago, I did. We'd been corresponding again and she sent an XMas card (of her brood!) and I've got all her letters, still. Yep, she made it. She's in. And, me? I've got yet another guardian angel, on my side, fighting for me. "Come away, O human child! To the waters and the wild With a faery, hand in hand, For the world's more full of weeping than you can understand." --W.B. Yeats Sláinte, MEG! 🍀🇮🇪💚 --amm770::

- Allen Mahan




Order flowers for Mary Ellen's service.

Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement

White Wonder

Thinking of You Basket

Tender Touch

Stargazer Garden

Stargazer Easel Spray

Sincere Sympathy Garden

Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)

Remembrance Easel Spray

Natures Glory

Loving Embrace

Gerbera Greetings

Colorful Memories Wreath

Classic Sympathy

Blooming Duo

Bells of Beauty

Beautiful Memories

Beautiful Blessings Wreath

Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.

 

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