Marie Rita King

Marie was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana on September 10, 1923, daughter of Margaret and Raymond Ankenbruck. She attended St. Joseph Catholic Grade School and Elmhurst High School.

At 18 Marie left Indiana to work in Tucson, Arizona. In 1943 she enlisted and served proudly in the Second World War in the United States Naval Reserve (Woman’s Reserve - WAVE). Upon her discharge after the war, Marie returned to Indiana to attend her beloved Purdue University, receiving a Dietetics degree in Home Economics in 1950.

After meeting Bernard King through the Young Catholic Adults (YCA), they married on January 14, 1956 and continued to enjoy the YCA group for over 50 years. Bernard and Marie made their home in Indianapolis and they became active members of St. Andrews Catholic Church. Additionally, they volunteered for Meals on Wheels for over 20 years. Marie was an active member of Purdue Women and a founding member of Indianapolis Homemakers Club. Her desire to serve others was often carried out well into her 80’s as a volunteer at Fatima Retreat House and as a reading tutor for Lawrence Township Schools. Her love for being with people often occurred over a good bridge game.

Marie had many friends and was beloved. Nothing was more important to her than her God, family and friends. Her legacy will be cherished and her faith and friendship will be sorely missed. Marie, aka Mom and Nana, expressed her affection for her children and grandchildren through praying for them, writing personal letters, and having conversations in which she sought to know and appreciate them individually. Marie’s life profoundly impacted her 2 children, 7 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

Survivors include children, Nancy (Charles) Theis of East Lansing, Michigan and Jim (Vicki) King of Scottsdale, Arizona; grandchildren, Andrew Theis, David (Marian) Theis, Kaitlin (Reggie) King del Riego, Ann Marie Theis, Daniel (Victoria) King, Corrie (Diego) King Madueño, and Mary Clare Theis; great grandchildren, Maria Theis, Josephine Theis, James T. King, and Elena King Madueño.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, April 5, 2021 at Fatima Retreat House at 11:00 AM with private burial at Oaklawn Cemetery immediately following.

Memorial contributions can be made to Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House, 5353 East 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46226 or Purdue University, 403 West Wood Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.GorslineRuncimanEastLansing.com