Mary L. Poeller

Mary Lynn Poeller, nee Reurink, 69, an area business woman and life long gardener died Tuesday at her Battle Creek home while enjoying morning coffee with her beloved husband, Michael Poeller.

Born the 20th of October, 1946, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mary was the daughter of the late Henry and Charlotte Reurink. She grew up in the Hopkins area and received a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in French and German from Grand Valley State University.

After college, she began a career as a teacher at Catholic Central and Street Academy. Later she worked selling insurance and solar panels. After marrying her husband on June 19, 1989, the pair operated regional Warner candy sales and eventually invested in residential real estate in the Battle Creek area.

Mary was known for her endless creativity and quick wit. She had a knack for whimsical decoration and festively designed cards and packages she regularly sent to family members.

"My mom lived authentically and she loved with abandon." said her eldest daughter, Linea Woody. "When they came to visit in June, she and I stayed up late together one night. We drank wine, whispering and giggling into the wee hours. I am forever grateful for that evening."

Her youngest, Eve Josar, said Mary's ability to tame a field of wild flowers into a vase and her passion for a good DIY project were infectious and something to aspire to.

Perhaps a friend and neighbor, Donna Bradshaw, put it best. "Mary was fire, wild hair and smiling, twinkling, mischievous blue eyes," she said. "I admired her free spirit, her strong sense of self, her creativity and flair. I am going to miss her."

Mary spoke daily with her two younger sisters, who also live in western Michigan. "My sister, my best friend, had a logical but poetic mind and an amazing artistic eye. She will be deeply and forever missed by all who loved her- and there were so many," Susan King said.

Mary loved her daughters and grandchildren beyond measure. She and her husband traveled several times a year to Colorado to see their grandchildren perform in school plays and dance recitals. She ventured to Johannesburg, South Africa when her youngest granddaughter was born in 2011. Mary was extremely proud of them all and rarely missed an opportunity to share stories over a coffee, margarita, or glass of wine.

In addition to her husband, Mike Poeller, Mary is survived by her daughters, Linea and Scott Woody of Castle Rock, Colorado, and Eve and David Josar, of Phnom Penh, Cambodia; two sisters, Susan and James King of Sawyer and Jane and Kenneth Worstell of Otsego; a brother, Richard and MaryAnne Reurink of Middleville; three deeply cherished grandchildren, Drake and Camille Woody and Colette Maxine Josar; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and cherished friends. She was predeceased by a beloved brother, Hank Reurink.

The family will receive friends Sunday August 7, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home and Cremation Care with an open house celebration for family and friends to follow in Mary's beautiful gardens. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.