Mary R. Gothard

Mary Roberta (VanDenberg) Gothard, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and talented artist, passed away peacefully on May, 12, 2026. She was 86 years old.

Born on April 28th, 1940 in the family home on Harmonia Road, Battle Creek, MI. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1959. Mary lived a life filled with creativity, love, and quiet strength. On June 25th 1960, she was married to her devoted husband, Jack Gothard, who she met at The Salvation Army when they attended youth group and together they built a loving home and family. Mary found her greatest joy in her two children: Marcella Reena Priestley (Roger) and Scott Dewayne Gothard (Tracie). She was a proud and supportive mother who cherished every moment with her family. She loved being Grammie to her two granddaughters Raegan and Amara.

Mary was a gifted artist whose passion for creativity and helping others touched the lives of many. Whether through painting, drawing, or her other artistic pursuits, she brought beauty into the world and expressed her heart through her crafts, cooking and hospitality. Her artistic spirit, warmth, sense of humor and gentle nature left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Mary spent close to four decades of her life serving others as the Christmas Assistance Coordinator at The Salvation Army. A role she cherished and looked forward to filling every holiday season.

She was preceded in death by her parents Leo and Dora VanDenberg, her husband Jackie Marcelle Gothard, her sister Josephine Dingledine, and brother William VanDenberg. She is survived by her loving children Marcella and Scott, granddaughters, Raegan and Amara, brothers, Sam VanDenberg, Ronald VanDenberg and Donald VanDenberg, sisters, Francis Curtis and Jacqueline Fulcher, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary will be remembered for her unwavering faith, artistic talent, her deep love for her family, and the kindness she showed to everyone around her.

A funeral service will be held at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 12:30 pm. Interment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. A public viewing time will take place at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mary’s memory to The Angel Tree Program at The Salvation Army of Battle Creek, Michigan. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

Mary's service will be livestreamed at the following link:  https://vimeo.com/event/5950184

Mary Roberta Gothard will be deeply missed but her family is comforted by the fact she is now reunited in heaven with her husband Jack and they will continue to be “Steady Forever”.