Time of visitation: 2:00 PM
Date of service: December 16, 2002
Time of service: 10:00 AM
Obituary:
Marty was born in the turmoil of World War II. Soldiers were being called out on the draft, The United States was busy fighting against Germany and Japan and many resources were being rationed. Yet Marty’s parents managed to turn November 11, 1942 into one of the most special days of their lives.
Marty was born in St. Joseph, Michigan to Marshall and Rosalie (Jones) LePine. Marty had a rough childhood growing up but always managed to make the best out of everything she was handed in life. Marty’s mother married Wayne Fitch when Marty was only 13 years old. This was a great event in Marty’s life, not only because she was gaining a father but she also gained 2 wonderful brothers. This marriage would make Marty’s family complete. One thing that Marty was always proud of was that she and her mom always stayed together. Though Marty and her family didn’t have a lot they definitely loved each other.
Marty graduated from Portage Central High School and started working at the Soda Fountain on West Lake. Marty was then wed to Barry Kitzmiller. Marty became pregnant with their first child, Shelley. Marty stayed at home to care for her daughter, and the house. Marty then found out she was pregnant with her second child, this time she was having a son. Marty became a stay at home mom for the next 7 years. During this time Marty was known to frequently cook for the Rotary Luncheons and other various volunteer activities.
Marty and Barry divorced in the early seventy’s and Marty started working at Durametallic. About one year later Marty began her career at Upjohn as a lines person. As the years went on Marty was promoted to the offices, at Pharmacia, as a Proofreader and then onto the Purchasing Department. When Marty’s youngest child was in 3rd grade Marty decided it was time for her to go back to school and get her degree. She worked continuously on her General Business Degree for several years until she finally completed it in 1981. This was a major accomplishment and huge success for Marty because she knew that with this degree she could be promoted to a professional level. Marty was 100% correct. After she received her Associates Degree she was promoted several times. Eventually Marty was promoted to a Professional Level Purchaser. This was a rare and joyous occasion for Marty, not only because she was getting a promotion but also, Pharmacia scarcely promoted people to a professional level with out a bachelor’s degree. This said something about Marty’s personality and exceptional work ethic.
Marty’s job in purchasing required her to purchase packaging materials for Pharmacia’s new products. Marty was one that took full advantage of her family and their love for her when it came time to test new package products. She was often known to bring home various packages from work to test on her family. She often brought home packing peanuts, recycled packing peanuts, childproof bottles, boxes and labels to see if they were safe and if the community would accept them.
Marty’s greatest love were her 5 grandchildren. This was also Marty’s most obvious love, because everyone that met Marty knew that her grandchildren were number one priority in her life. Marty never missed a ball game, dance recital, bowling tournament or school play that her grandchildren were in. After Marty had a stroke 3 years ago she still insisted on taking care of her grandchildren, just as she had before.
Marty died at her home on December 12, 2002. Marty’s family includes her 2 children Brian and his wife Carolyn Kitzmiller, Shelley and her husband Bob Snyder, both of Vicksburg; 2 brothers Jim and Larry Fitch of Arkansas; 5 grandchildren Andrew, Riley and Michael Kitzmiller, Shae and Jay Snyder. Marty’s mother and stepfather preceded her in death. Friends may visit with her family on Sunday, December 15, 2002, from 2-5 pm, at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home Vicksburg Chapel, where a Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday at 10:00 am. Marty will be buried in the Vicksburg Cemetery. Please leave a memory, or make a memorial donation to the Diabetes Foundation or the American Heart Association.
I met Marty almost 30 years ago when we both started working for the Upjohn Company the same day in production.
We had a lot of fun back in those days. Things were very different at the company and we worked nights so we could get away with some things that would never fly today!
I always loved Marty for her kind, sensitive and understanding personality. And of course, for her trademark smile also.
Even though we didn't always keep in close contact these last few years, Marty is someone who I always counted as a good friend, never to be forgotten no matter how long it was since we had seen each other. We always had a hug ready for each other.
I do know that even though she will be greatly missed here, she is still watching over us and I imagine her, looking over us with that very special smile of hers.
Sincerely and with kind regards,
Barb DeBack
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Memory From: Kathy Davis
I worked with Marty at Pharmacia in the Purchasing Department for 9 years.
She was one of the sweetest people I have ever met. The last time I saw her
was at Meijer's at just about this time last year. She talked about her grandchildren
and how sad she was that she couldn't do more for them that Christmas. I got
the impression she would have liked to get them everything on their Christmas
lists (and then some)!
I know she's still loving them and watching over them now.
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Memory From: George Gembis
Brian and Shelley,
I just heard the news today and am sorry to hear about your mother.
She and you two were always special to me. Barton Lake on Sundays and driving the old car with you at the steering wheel.
I remember visiting you and your mom especially at Halloween and upsetting your mother with trying to move rocks at you know whose house!
I took great pleasure in having Marty in my Accounting class at KVCC. She worked hard and did well.
I enjoyed continuing our friendship at The Upjohn Company (Pharmacia) and teaching her in my classes. It was fun and rewarding for both of us.
Again, my regrets. If you need me for anything, please call.
George Gembis
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Memory From: MARY CONOLLY
I am so very sorry to read of Marty's passing. I had just recently met Brian
and he told me of his Mother's recent problems, which I was so sad to hear.
I had worked with Marty in the Purchasing Department at Upjohns before my
retirement in 1986. What a wonderful person to work with - always happy and
had a big smile for everyone. She was such a welcome addition to our department
and was liked by all her co-workers.
I feel priviledged to have known Marty. Rest in peace, dear friend.
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Memory From: Rosalie (Buck) Betzler
I can not begin to tell you how sorry and shocked I am about the untimely
death of your mother, Marty, and my friend.
I remember our High School days and later the birth of our two sons. I had Robert on July 8, 1965 and Marty had Brian on July 9, 1965. We were put in the same room. She was so happy to have her son and her family was complete with her daughter home waiting for her to bring Brian home.
As the years went by the girls from the Class of 60 got together the 2nd. Monday of each month for dinner. At this time in our lives we were enjoying our monthly get togethers and getting back into the friendships of our past.
Marty was so sweet and pleasant. She always had a smile. I know she enjoyed the dinners and she will be greatly missed.
I am honored to have been a part of Marty's life.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. She will be greatly missed and be in my heart forever.
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.
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Memory From: Dorothy Bowers
Shelly and Brian, I worked with your Mom many years ago at Upjohn. After I
retired in1986 we lost contact. I cannot think of anyone else that I enjoyed
working with, as much as your Mom. She was always happy and funny. We had
a lot of laughs. Sometimes I would go home from work exhausted because we
had had such a fun day at work. I met you both briefly one time when we gals
came to
her home in Vicksburg.She was an all-around good Joe. I am sorry to hear of
her passing.
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Memory From: Beverly Vrhel
To Shelly, Brian and Caroline,
I am so sorry about Marty. Having worked with her in Purchasing I knew she
was a special person, but it was not until she moved into PheasantRun that
I really came to know her. She ws the most kindhearted person I knew, nevercritical
and always pleasant.
I was supposed to take her to the eye doctor Thursday p.m. and she always
called the day before to remind me and ask me if I could still take her.
When she didn't call Wednesday I called her, no answering machine was on and
so the phone just rang and rang. I called 3 times on Wednesday and 1-2 times
Thursday a.m. Finally I called her neighbors, the Kirbys and asked if they
had seen her and said I was coming down to check. I am so sorry that I didn't
check on her on Wednesday, perhaps the outcome would have been different.
I'll regret that forever.
I will miss her deeply. She was my friend, my cat sitter and my sometimes
dinner companion.
I know the grandchildren will miss her, all of them. I guess I knew Shae the
best of all, but my heart goes out to all of you.
She dearly loved Tigger and I looked for her after they let me go in. I could
not find her but left her some food and water. I hope she is with one of you
and is ok.
Marty would want her to be in a good home. I could not take her as I already
have 3 cats which is 2 more than they allow us.
Bless you all.
