Marjorie Marie Gilbert

Marjorie (Marge) LaForce Gilbert a well-loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend died on January 27, 2024, in Battle Creek just 3 months before her 100^th birthday.  Marge lived a life that reflected God’s love of all of us.  She was a loving influence on those that met her briefly and especially for those who had the privilege to know her for years.  Marge’s sense of humor and joy of life will be remembered and cherished.

Marge was born to Bert Kellogg and Grace (Perkins) Kellogg on April 13, 1924, in Yorkville, IL.  She grew up in rural Illinois on the family farm and graduated from Oswego High School in 1942. In 1945, she graduated with an RN from Copley Hospital in Aurora, Illinois and in 1950 with a BSN in Public Health Nursing from the University of Minnesota, 1950. She moved to Marshall as she began her nursing career.

Marge married William (Bill) LaForce II on 10-13-51 at her parents’ home in Yorkville, IL.  She and Bill lived in Marshall, MI for the first year of their marriage and in 1952-53 moved into the house they built in the Battle Creek area.  Marjorie and Bill had four children: Beth (Robert Bonner) LaForce, OR; William-Bill (Annette) LaForce. NC; Annette (Rick) Berning, MI; and Bert (Laurie) LaForce, GA. In addition to her four children Kristina Lynema was “adopted” as a daughter later in Marge’s life.  Bill LaForce’s death of a heart attack on February 5, 1977, ended their loving marriage quite suddenly.   Through this major life change, Marge’s faith and determination aided her as she continued to work as a nurse, attend sporting events, and encourage all her children in their life pursuits.

Nursing was Marjorie’s calling and mission.  She worked for the Calhoun County Health Department for a year. From there she moved to Oaklawn Hospital, Community Hospital and Westbrook Hospital for a career of 45 years.  Marjorie spent most of her career as a labor and delivery nurse. She also worked in an administrative role as Night Supervisor at Community Hospital.

At the age of 79, Marjorie married Walt Gilbert (1-2-04).  The wedding held at Battle Creek Friends Church was celebrated by 150 family and friends.  They had opportunities to travel, garden and watching birds at their feeder.    Marjorie enjoyed spending time with Walt’s children and grandchildren.  Walt died (9-15-15). Marjorie’s surviving stepchildren are Laura (Dan) Webb and Larry (Linda) Gilbert and their families.

Marjorie loved life! She was often the one in a group laughing out loud over something that had happened. In her younger years (before she turned 90) she stayed involved at assisting with the youth group, teaching Sunday School, making food, tending flower gardens. Named “Grandma Marge” by the congregation of Battle Creek Friends Church, her life and wisdom was sought and appreciated.  Marjorie was an encourager and role model of faith in God to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and to the rest of those she met.

Marjorie leaves behind grandchildren Lindsay (Kyle) Slutz, OH; Rick (Kim) Berning, MI: Roger (June) Berning, OH; Bethany (Steve) Fedewa, NC: William (LB) LaForce, NC: Rachel (Alex Getlin) LaForce, GA; Courtney Todd, MD, MA: Jonathan Todd, AZ; Cynthia (James) Wall, OR. Darrel (Heidi) Bonner, OR, Phil Bonner, OR and Ashley Sanchez, VA.   Not to be left out Marjorie was well loved by her twenty-five great-grandchildren ages 16 years to 10 months.   “Gigi” as she was called by the great-grandchildren loved to play even when that meant wearing a silly hat or holding a special toy.

She was predeceased by husband William (Bill) LaForce (1977) and Walt Gilbert (2015); parents Bert and Grace Kellogg: siblings Herbert Kellogg, Keith (Mary) Kellogg and Bill Kellogg.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, February 4, 2024 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services.  Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 5^, 2024 at Battle Creek Friends Church, with interment to follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Battle Creek Friends Church Youth Fund or the charity of one’s choice.  Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org