Marla Mae Holle

Marla Holle, child of God, born on April 6, 1928 in Columbus, Ohio to Hannah (Boe) and Morgan Christianson, died peacefully on December 19, 2025, at the age of 97 years. She graduated from Capital University where she met the love of her life, Reginald. Accompanied by Marla’s loving support, Reginald served a number of ALC/ELCA Lutheran churches in Michigan and Ohio until their final move to Okemos, when Reginald was first elected Bishop.

Marla received her Master in Social Work (MSW) in 1970 from Wayne State University. She worked at several social service agencies and organizations being involved in various activities (e.g., Friends of the Library Board, Wharton Center Gift Shop, and Samaritas) as well as volunteerism and advocacy aimed at addressing human rights and needs. Music, art, and hospitality were important to her. As an expression of her love for Christ, Marla lived a life of faith in the church and service to others. Foremost, family blessed her life with joy and special meaning.

Marla was predeceased by her parents; beloved husband, Reginald Holle (4/5/12); and dear son, Todd William Holle (8/12/21); grandsons, Andrew Dennis Long and Noah Paul Elhard; brother, Donald Morgan Christianson; and sisters-in-law, Bernadine (Melvin) Behring and Carolyn Christianson. Marla is survived by her daughter, Joan Holle Long; son-in-law, Dennis Delwin Long; daughter-in-law, Jeannine Kern Holle; and grandsons, Jacob Dennis Long (Amber) and John Henry Holle. Great grandchildren, Hunter and Joanna Elhard and Griffin and Kennedy Long were special sources of joy. Numerous Christianson and Holle nieces, nephews and family members provided years of enjoyment and loving memories.

Marla’s dear friends afforded treasured times for togetherness. Marla so enjoyed travel with Reg to Texas, across the United States, and abroad, seeing and meeting people and enhancing their lives in abundant and unending ways. During the 37 years in her Okemos home, the friendship and assistance from neighbors and church friends cannot be overstated. And, a very special thanks to Vicki Monroe as well as a host of wonderful residents and people at Bickford Assisted Living and with The Care Team Hospice for their love, support, and care over recent months and years.

The funeral service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, located at 4515 Dobie Rd, Okemos, MI 48864 on Sunday, January 18th, 2026. Visitation from 1:00 pm to 2:00pm followed by the funeral service at 2:00pm, a reception with refreshments will follow. Livestream for the service will be available on the Faith Lutheran Church website.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Lutheran World Relief, Michigan Refugee Hope, and/or Faith Lutheran Church (Okemos).