Marlo J. Crouch

Born August 3, 1945, she was 78 years old, the second child of Clinton and LaVonne Willis. Marlo grew up in Mason, Michigan and graduated from Mason High School in 1963. Mason was her hometown for the last 35 years.

Marlo started working as an operator for Michigan Bell Telephone and quickly worked her way up to training all the new operators; young for such a position, she was proud of that. Most of Marlo’s career was as a medical receptionist for various doctors’ offices. She was recognized at all of them for being organized, able to do 3 things at once, and the one to count on to get something done. Marlo retired at age 59.

Forty-seven years ago, with a sparkle in her eyes and a sweet smile, Marlo captivated Mike, and a year later they married for the rest of her life. She had simple tastes, loved flowers, a good book, and some traveling. Four acres in the country with an old nondescript house was Marlo’s sanctuary. Over the years, room by room, Mike transformed it into the place she loved. Sitting on the deck, reading a book, listening to the quiet; that was enough. Upon retirement all Marlo asked for was to add a pool, and Mike made that happen. Life was good.

Marlo had her heartaches. She lost 2 sons: Monte at birth, and Dayne to suicide at age 27. Also, for the last 19 years she fought heart disease. But Marlo persevered because of the two greatest gifts of all; her beautiful bright daughter Bree, who gave her the most precious gift of all, her Grandson Maddox. When Maddox was born Marlo’s life was complete and she did not want to miss a minute as he grew for the last 13 years. He was the cherry on her sundae; ironic as he does not like cherries. Watching Bree grow filled Marlo with pride. Seeing her become an independent woman, marrying Derek, creating a family, and settling into their 5 acres in the country. In some ways a mirror of Marlo’s life.

Nineteen years ago, heart disease entered Marlo’s life; a triple bypass followed by a heart attack. She had many heart attack false alarms over the years, but it was always something else. Mike was with Marlo for every minute of each health scare. Health issues didn’t stop much initially, and Marlo was able to be Maddox’s permanent babysitter. Marlo kept the house organized, neat as pin, but more and more heart disease colored her life as it took away her stamina.

Marlo and I had some nice trips over the years, and we adjusted. Marlo couldn’t swim with the whales in Maui, but we would have a waterfront view to always watch them. She couldn’t climb Mt. Ranier, but we were going to have a bird’s eye view to see it all whenever she wanted. Unfortunately, our last trip didn’t happen; a trip to a beautiful house in Tennessee overlooking the fall colors of The Smoky Mountains. On a day we should have been there, Marlo passed away. Marlo told me often, “I’ve had a good life,” and I think she did. I’ll love you forever and ever Honey. Nighty-night, Mike.

Marlo is survived by husband, Mike; daughter, Bree Peters (Derek); grandson, Maddox Peters; brother, Jerry Willis (Priscilla); and sister, Gail Ried (Larry). She is predeceased by father, Clinton Willis; mother, LaVonne Willis (Harrison); son, Dayne Marquardt; and son, Monte Marquardt.

A visitation for Marlo will be held on Monday, October 23, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 621 South Jefferson St., Mason, MI 48854. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 1:00 PM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, at the funeral home. Following the service, Marlo will be laid to rest in North Aurelius Cemetery in Mason. A reception will follow the graveside service at Aurelius Township Hall, 1939 S Aurelius Rd., Mason, MI 48854.

Serving as pallbearers are Maddox Peters, Derek Peters, Caleb Crouch, Elliot Crouch, Mitch Crouch, and Rhett Ried.

Contributions in Marlo's memory may be made to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Make-A-Wish Michigan.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grbdmason.com for Marlo's family.