Marjorie R. Cornell

Lansing, Michigan

Marjorie (Marge) Rusden (Hitchens) Cornell, 93, of Lansing, Michigan, passed away September 10, 2014. She was born on January 10, 1921 in Wattsville, Wales, England, to the late Samuel and Mary Mabel Hitchens. After moving to the United States in 1927, Marjorie attended Christiancy Grade School, Walter French Junior High School, and graduated from Eastern High School in June of 1938. She also attended Lansing Secretarial School before she started working at Oldsmobile as Secretary to the Chief Inspector.

On January 12, 1946, Marge married Robert E. Cornell, and soon after they started their family. Marge was a dedicated member of Mt. Hope United Methodist Church since the early 1930s and was an active member of United Methodist Women. She held many offices in the organization and served as the Lansing District Treasurer. In her spare time, she also volunteered with the American Red Cross at Ingham Medical Center for 48 years, bowled and golfed with the Swing ‘N Putt Golf League in Lansing.

In 1984, Marge started spending the cooler winter months in Clearwater, FL and the summer months in Michigan. She became a very active participant in the Clearwater community as an associate member of First United Methodist Church – Clearwater, United Methodist Women (Clearwater) member, and Clearwater Country Club member. She also enjoyed golfing and won the 36-hole President’s Cup Tournament for Women in November of 1988 and November of 1989.

Predeceased by sister Frances (Clayton) Richards and brother Samuel. Surviving to cherish Marge’s memory are her husband of 68 years, Robert, and children, Audrey Jean (David) Putman and James Robert (Kathy) Cornell; grandchildren, Brian David Putman, Kevin Robert Putman, Katherine Frances Cornell (fiancé Heath Hayes), Marjory Ann (Matthias) Csatary, and Robert James Cornell; and great-grandchildren, Bea Frances Putman, Greta Jean Putman, Emily Jean Putman, and twins Luke Brian Putman and Michael David Putman.

A funeral service officiated by Rev. Rob Cook will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 15, 2014 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel, 900 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912. Interment will follow the service in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends for visitation one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Those desiring may make contributions in memory of Marge to Mt. Hope United Methodist Church, 501 E. Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing, MI 48910.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel.

Arrangements under the direction of Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing, MI.