Obituary of Mary Grace Arndt

“In Fond Remembrance of Mary Grace Arndt (Switzer)

Mary Grace Arndt, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, peacefully departed this life surrounded by her family on December 20, 2023, at the age of 74, after bravely facing a formidable battle with cancer. Born on February 14, 1949, she embraced life with determination, exuberance, kindness, and creativity.

 Known affectionately as Mary, Mary Grace, Mom, or Nana, she possessed a humble nature that endeared her to all, and her inner beauty shone as brightly as her outer radiance. Her life, marked by its inevitable highs and lows, exemplified the enduring power of true love as she and her devoted husband, Vernon, celebrated 56 years of marriage—a testament to their unwavering support for one another.

 A caring and devoted mother, Mary found profound joy in raising her three children, Anne, Chad, and Erin. Her home was a haven for her family and, a reflection of her selflessness in prioritizing her family's needs above her own. The memory of her son Chad, who departed in 1992, held a special place in her heart and she looked so forward to being reunited with him.

 Mary's infectious sense of humor brought chuckles and smiles to all in her presence. Her boundless generosity and innate ability to make others feel loved and valued were hallmarks of her character. Guided by faith, she devoted herself to Jehovah, finding strength in her spiritual journey.

 In the kitchen, Mary was an intuitive artist, delighting the taste buds of those fortunate enough to savor her creations. Her love for home grown food and advocating for natural products helped her to extend her health even when given a shorter term to life. 

 When a younger woman, Mary harbored a deep love for horses, particularly in the realm of English dressage, with her horse Red Jack's Lucky. Her talents extended to writing, photography, cooking and various creative pursuits. She loved old cowboy heroes like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. She told some of us that whenever she got Final Jeopardy she’d allow herself to ask Alexa to “Play Back in the Saddle Again”. In the summer she played it loud enough that her neighbors Tom and Fran could hear it and know she did it again. 

 Mary loved to sit in her backyard with her husband Vernon and often friends or family. It is a simple fence lined oasis with various fruit trees, raised bed gardens, a pizza oven and playhouse for the granddaughter. Their little dog Harry and cat Clyde joining them many nights in the summer as they hosted get togethers with others. 

As we bid farewell to Mary Grace Arndt, we celebrate a life well-lived and woman well loved. 

 Mary is survived by her devoted husband, Vernon; her children, Anne and Erin; grandchildren, Chloë, Griffin and his wife Yuri, and Penelope; and a wide circle of friends."  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.

 

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