Mary Musselman

Mary Stella Louise (Gates) Musselman, 94, of Pompeii, Michigan and formerly of Breckenridge died November 3, 2013 at MidMichigan Medical Center/Gratiot in Alma, Michigan.

Mary, the daughter of Stephen and Julia (Smithana) Gates, was born July 1, 1919 in Huntington, Indiana. She married Curtis A. Musselman of Huntington, Indiana on October 12, 1940 in Huntington. In the early years of her marriage, Mary began working at Plyley's Candy Factory in Huntington where her mother also worked. Mary enjoyed making peanut clusters with vanilla and maple crème fillings. In 1965, Curtis and Mary moved to Breckenridge, Michigan where Mary worked in the cafeteria at Breckenridge High School until her retirement. In 1988 Mary moved to St. Louis, Michigan and, as needed, answered the telephone for the Alward Carter Funeral Home/Smith Family Funeral Home.

Mary was a devout catholic and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Louis, Michigan. Mary enjoyed her family especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed watching her favorite soap opera, As the World Turns, as well as crocheting, reading, and going for walks. Mary was an excellent cook and holiday dinners always included homemade noodles and homemade potica (nut bread) – recipes that came with her mother from Austria.

Mary is survived by two sons: Edward (Carol) Musselman of Pittsboro, North Carolina; Timothy (Rachel) Musselman of St. Louis, Michigan; and one daughter: Rita (Terry) Smith of Pompeii, Michigan; and grandchildren: Jennifer (Chris) Mahon of Ormond Beach, Florida; Curtis A. Musselman of Melbourne, Florida; Adam (Tamara) Musselman of St. Louis, Michigan; Teresa (Chris) Nelson of Caledonia, Michigan; Chase Smith of Big Rapids, Michigan; Erin Delgado of Shepherd, Michigan; and Nicole Nava of St. Louis, Michigan. Mary is survived by sisters-in-law Mary Musselman and Joan Gates both of Huntington, Indiana as well as many nieces and nephews. Mary is also survived by 12 great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Curtis A. Musselman in 1988, brother Edward Gates, brothers-in-law; Oscar, Raymond, Harold, Lawrence, Nelson, and Jean Musselman and two sisters-in-law: Mardella Webb and Genevieve Musselman.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 7, 10:00–11:00 a.m. at Smith Family Funeral Home, St. Louis with funeral service immediately following.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gratiot Senior Center, 1329 Michigan Avenue, St. Louis, Michigan or St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 605 S. Franklin Street, St. Louis, Michigan. Online condolences may be made to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.

Read Mary Musselman's Obituary and Guestbook on smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.