Marylene Gossert

Marylene Gossert, a beloved mother, cherished friend, and devoted member of her community, passed away on May 2, 2025, at the age of 102. Born on February 28, 1923, in Murfeesboro, TN, Marylene was a beacon of light, always greeting everyone with a warm smile and a kind word.

Marylene dedicated herself to her career as an office worker at DeVilbiss Corp., where her positive spirit and unwavering commitment made a lasting impression on her colleagues and peers. Her education was rooted in her hometown, as she graduated from Scott High School, shaping her into the person who touched so many lives.

Throughout her lifetime, Marylene found joy in the small things—the warmth of family gatherings, the memories created during Christmas holidays, and the simple pleasures of gardening, walking, and cooking. Her love for travel took her to cherished places like Disney World, Shipshawanna, and the historical Gettysburg war sites, where every experience enriched her life further. Marylene was also an avid animal lover, finding companionship in her beloved cats, Whiskers, Eli, and her dogs, Trixie and Annie.

Faith was at the heart of Marylene’s life. A strong believer in God, she became a devoted member of Faith Baptist Church in Lambertville, MI, in 1963. Over the years, she actively participated in church life through the WMU, Joy Club, and served as the Flower Bereavement Personnel, bringing comfort to those in need. Her role as a Sunday School Teacher demonstrated her dedication to nurturing the faith of others and sharing her strong beliefs.

Marylene is survived by her loving daughter, Deb Gossert, and her daughter-in-law, Diana Gossert and an infinite amount of loving nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell, known affectionately as Bud, her son, James (Jim), and other cherished family members, including her mother, Sioda Barnes Smotherman (nee Ward), father, William Thomas Smotherman, sister, Barbara Ann Howard, sister, Betty Jean Foster, brother, Thomas William Smotherman, and brother, Wallace (Burl) Smotherman.

The community is invited to celebrate Marylene’s remarkable life at Faith Baptist Church, located at 6245 Whiteford Center Road, Lambertville, MI, on May 17, 2025. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Her final resting place will be at Toledo Memorial Park in Sylvania, OH, at 12:15 PM, following the service.

Marylene Gossert’s legacy of kindness, faith, and warmth will continue to inspire those who knew her, reminding us all of the beauty of a life well-lived. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of her family and friends.

Finally, a special thank you from the family to her wonderful private aide, Missy and her hospice care team from Care360.