Marie Joanne Mahan, 87, passed away at home after an extended illness. Born Marie Joanne Herrygers on May 16, 1931 to John and Maria (Braspenninx) Herrygers; she was the youngest of eleven children. She grew up in Oceana County and married her husband of 67 years, Melvin A. Mahan, on December 9, 1950 and together they raised five children.
Marie's strength was her family. She was so proud of their many accomplishments, including her parents who immigrated from the Netherlands and became American citizens; and her brothers, husband and nephews who served in the U.S. military. Marie will be remembered for her love and loyalty to family. She was gifted with many talents from sewing, knitting, basket weaving, and cooking. Her pies were legendary. She enjoyed people, and people enjoyed her. Her door was always open and you were not turned away, but you lived by the rules of the house, and she never hesitated to give her opinion if she thought it necessary.
She is survived by her husband Melvin (Mort) Mahan; daughters, Janet (Ken) Klotz Jr., Patti (Mike) Scofield, Cheryl (Dennis) Gale, Mary Sue Mahan; and daughter-In-law Anita Mahan. She is also survived by grandchildren, Chris Klotz, Ryan Klotz, Kendra (Matt) Smith, Jason (Alicia) Riggs, Chad Riggs, Jeff (Jodi) Riggs, Crystal (Steve) Riley, Gregory Gale, and Joshua Mahan; 15 great-grandchildren; and countless nieces and nephews. Also, her beloved dogs Bo and Becky who gave her such comfort in the end.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Maria Herrygers; her son Mike Mahan, granddaughter, Meika Riggs; and all of her 10 siblings; Louise (John) VanLoon, Jake (Ida) Herrygers, August (Velma) Herrygers, Peter (Phyllis) Herrygers, Shirley (Hank) VanderZanden, Frank (Verzel) Herrygers, Charles (Nedra) Herrygers, Johanna (Henry) Lange, Bill (Marie) Herrygers, and John (Suzy) Herrygers.
Memorial services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 13, 2018, at the Hart United Methodist Church, with Pastor Steve Young officiating. The family will receive friends Friday, October 12, 2018, from 4-7 PM at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Avenue, Hart, and on Saturday at the church from 10:00 AM until time of services.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Crystal Valley Care Fund or the Oceana County Humane Society.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
www.beaconfh.com