Chesterton resident Marcella I. Holland Burks, 91, died Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009.

She was born April 17, 1918, in Frankfort, Ind., the daughter of Roy and Flossie (Meneely) Michael, who preceded her in death.

On Sept. 18, 1935, she married Ruthferd “Brick” Holland, who in 1969 also preceded her in death. In November 1972 she married Charles Burks of Indianapolis, who in 2006 preceded her in death.

She is survived by daughters Carolyn Jones (Robert E.) of Chesterton, Joyce Anita Holland of Fort Wayne, and step-daughter Kathy Roll (David) of Indianapolis; grandchildren Holly Jones Mishler (Kent) of Chesterton, Amy Jones Schaufelberger (Dan) of LaGrange Park, Ill., and Scott Jones (Cathy) of Rome, Ga.; step-grandchildren Jeremy Roll (Heidi) of Indianapolis and Kristin Roll of Lexington, Ohio; great-grandchildren Matt Mishler of Indianapolis, Laura Mishler of Chesterton, Adam, Owen, and Colin Schaufelberger of LaGrange Park, Macey, Grahm, and Bridgette Jones of Rome, and Nolan Roll of Indianapolis.

She was preceded in death by two infant sisters.

Marcella graduated Frankfort High School in 1936 and used her God-given musical talent to teach piano and direct the choir at Hope United Methodist Church. In 1972 she and Charlie retired to Pine Island, Fla. where she was active in the Pine Island Methodist Church.

In 2006 she moved to Chesterton to be near her family and immediately became active in the Liberty Bible Church Choir. She played piano in the Narthex, joined the Victorious Women Sunday School Class, and was a faithful member of Tuesday morning Bible study. Marcella was also a member of the Christian Women’s Club. Her friendship base continued to flourish in Chesterton and she loved her time here, acknowledging that the Lord was continuing to guide her life.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Liberty Bible Church.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. today at White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S. Second St. in Chesterton and at 10 a.m. Tuesday for one hour prior to services.

Interment will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, at Bunnell Cemetery in Frankfort, followed by a celebration of life service and luncheon at 12:30 p.m. at Hope United Methodist Church in Frankfort.

Memorials may be made to the following: Gabeson Homes, 372A Franciscan, Valparaiso, IN 46385; Liberty Bible Church, 824 N. Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46304; Chesterton Meals on Wheels, 225 W. Lincoln Ave., Chesterton, IN 46304; or VNA Hospice Home Care, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383-2508.

Posted 12/28/2009