Marie Alma (Joost) Marcellus, 97, of Defiance,was called home on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at The Laurels of Defiance, while Heartland Hospice Chaplain David led family members at her bedside in singing her favorite hymns.  
  
She was born on February 11, 1919 to Edward and Alma (Schliesser) Joost in Mark Center, Ohio. Marie was a member of St. John Lutheran Church on Openlander Road in Sherwood Ohio, was baptized there by Rev. Schmidt, and was confirmed from that same church in 1933 by Rev. J.W. Acker. She graduated from Mark Twp. High School in 1937. Marie married Hugh B. Marcellus on September 2, 1939. He preceded her in death on May 4, 1972. They lived their entire adult lives in the Defiance area. In later years, Marie worked as a cook in the Defiance City Schools and also in the Chief Supermarket Deli. Marie loved to travel, and enjoyed church activities, singing hymns, needlework, and reading.
  
Marie will be sadly missed by her loving children; Mary Ellen (David) Reinke of Brighton, Michigan, John (Jackie) Marcellus of Defiance, Vicki (Ed) Marcellus-Smith of Avilla, Indiana, Debra (Mark) Ruggles of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, 10 grandchildren; Steve (Julie) Reinke, Brad (Anne Marie) Reinke, Kurt Reinke, Gregg Reinke, John (Beth) Marcellus, Jr., Jared (Tina) Marcellus, Dr. Jason (Debbie) Marcellus, Lucy (Drew) McLachlan, Sylvia (Tye) Bloomfield, and Brent (Carmen) Ruggles,  22 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and four nephews.  
  
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Hugh B. Marcellus, brother Paul Joost, two sisters at birth, and grandson Scott Ruggles.
  
Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, April 22, 2016 at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, and for one hour prior to services at the church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at St. John Lutheran Church in Defiance, with Rev. Donald L. Luhring officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
  
Memorials are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church.