Chronicle-Tribune (Marion, IN)
May 13, 2005
LAWTON, Mich.
Mary Ellen Pefley, 62, died Monday at her home in Lawton, Mich. She was born in Marion, to William and Emma (Wilson) Dilts. She was preceded in death by her mother. Survivors include her husband, Stanley Pefley; two children, Lisa (Nathan) Sundman, Vicksburg, and Thomas Pefley, Kincheloe; her father, William (Jewel) Dilts, Warren; grandchildren, Linnea, Isaac, Angela and Tom; brothers, Bob (LaVerne) Dilts, Jacksonville, Fla., Loaren (Mary) Dilts, Ada, Bill (Mary) Dilts, Jonesboro, and Lee (Janet) Dilts, Warren; a sister, Starr (David) Watts, Warren; and several nieces and nephews. Visit with her family and friends from 1 p.m. until services Monday at Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Homes, Mich. 40 South of Interstate 94 Paw Paw, where a celebration of life service is at 2 p.m. Interment is in Oak Grove Cemetery. To read Mary's complete Life Story or make a memorial contribution to Hospice Care of South West Michigan or the American Red Cross, please visit her personal Web page at www.lifestorynet.com.
Mary Ellen Pefley
Oct. 2, 1942
May 9, 2005
Section: Obits
Page: 4A
Index Terms: Death;Obituary
http://www.lifestorynet.com
LIFE STORY:
Mary Ellen Pefley was a woman with an amazing heart. The type of person that would do anything for her family and friends, she made her family her life?s work. She was very patient, caring and generous with her time, and never thought twice about going out of her way to help someone who needed her. Mary Ellen loved her family, her church and her Lord, faithfully serving them in whatever ways she could.
The world was not a very safe place in the year of 1942. World War II showed little signs of abatement as more and more U.S. troops shipped out for the European continent. At the same time, thousands of women stood united and labored to keep domestic industries running full steam. It was during this time of unity, patriotism and hope that Mary Ellen Dilts began her life in the town of Marion, Indiana, on October 2, 1942. She was the youngest of four children born to William and Emma (Wilson) Dilts.
Mary Ellen?s life got off to a rough start when her parents divorced when she was quite young, and she and her siblings were split up and sent to live with relatives. Mary Ellen spent much of her growing up years with her Aunt Margaret and Uncle Ed, though later went to live with her Aunt Katy and Uncle Kelly. She also attended the area schools and graduated from Marion High School in 1960.
When Mary Ellen was a young teenager of thirteen, she had a brief encounter with a young man named Stan Pefley at a local water park. Although Stan was three years older than her, he was destined to be the love of her life. It wasn?t until three years later when Stan was attending Taylor University, which was located near Marion, that he and Mary Ellen became reacquainted and began dating. Over the next four years, their love for each other blossomed and they were happily married on July 23, 1961, at Hillside Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana.
A few months after marrying, Stan was offered a job in the Paw Paw Public Schools at Cedar Street Elementary, and so the couple came to make their home in Paw Paw and then later in Lawton, Michigan. They enjoyed settling into married life together and tinkering around their new home for the next three years before deciding to start a family of their own. Then in 1964, they delighted in the birth of their first child, daughter Lisa, followed by their second, son Tom, in 1968. While Stan worked outside the home, Mary Ellen was a wonderful homemaker, devoted to caring for her family?s every need. For a time, she even did childcare in her home and sold Avon to help supplement their income.
During the summer, when school was out, the family truly loved to travel ? and that they did! Their adventures took them to almost every state in the U.S., and to nearly every major national park along the way. In fact, one year, they traveled out west and racked up 8,000 miles in 28 days. Although every trip left treasured memories in their hearts, one particular trip stands out above the rest. In 2001, Mary Ellen and Stan enjoyed an all expense paid trip to Hawaii, which was a very special time alone together. When at home, one of their favorite things to do was to go out to dinner to Red Lobster. They both enjoyed the crab legs and Stan would always tear apart the legs for Mary Ellen so she would only have to enjoy them ? which she did immensely.
Mary Ellen did not have a relationship with father, Bill, until she was an adult. Both were open-hearted and were able to put the past behind them, growing closer over the years. Mary Ellen also developed a close relationship with her sister, Starr, as well. Her kindness and the love she showed were just a few of her special qualities.
One thing that upheld Mary Ellen throughout her life was her faith in God. She was a regular attendee at Paw Paw Methodist Church and later at First Assembly of God in Kalamazoo. Mary Ellen drew great strength from reading religious and Christian books, which, of course, included her cherished Bible, and listening to a variety of Christian music, including contemporary, classic and traditional styles. Some of her favorites were ?The Old Rugged Cross?, ?Amazing Grace? and ?Shout to the Lord?. She also wrote poems and songs. One of her children?s favorites was ?Sleepy Town?, which was a lullaby about heaven. Mary Ellen had a spunky personality, her husband Stan recalled how she could definitely be assertive when needed too. Proudly, he told of one instance when Mary Ellen did not appreciate some of the things being preached at a church she attended many years ago. She spoke to the new minister about it and he asked her if she would like to preach herself. She accepted the invitation and did a wonderful job, receiving a very enthusiastic response from the congregation!
Throughout her life, Mary Ellen considered her family to be her greatest gift and blessing. Although her favorite possession was her mother?s Depression glass dishes, it was her family who she treasured in her heart above all else. She rejoiced in the births of her children and grandchildren, and considered each of them as another incredible gift in her life. Her devotion to family made her an exceptional person and she will be deeply missed.
Chronicle-Tribune (Marion, IN)
May 12, 2005
Oct. 2, 1942
May 9, 2005
LAWTON, Mich.
Mary Ellen Pefley, 62, Lawton, Mich., died Monday.
The Marion native was born to William and Emma (Wilson) Dilts. Her father survives. Additional survivors include husband, Stanley; children, Lisa Sundman and Thomas, both of Michigan; siblings, Bob Dilts, Florida, Loaren Dilts, Michigan, Bill Dilts, Jonesboro, Lee Dilts, Warren, and Starr Watts, Warren. Services are at 2 p.m. Monday in Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Homes, Paw Paw, Mich. Burial is in Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation is from 1 p.m. until services Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of South West Michigan; or to the American Red Cross.
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