Mary (Howes) Gratz

Mary Howes Gratz, age 72, passed away peacefully at home on June 30, 2020, due to complications from glioblastoma. She was surrounded by family and covered in love as she went home to meet Jesus.  Mary was born January 5, 1948 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Samuel and Alice Howes, who preceded her in death.

Mary loved to love on people, and she loved to love on dogs. She loved birds and enjoyed watching the woodpeckers at the suet feeders in her backyard. Lake Michigan was her favorite place in the world. She also was an avid gardener – her hands were rarely still. Mary also shared her love of baking with her grandchildren, as she always encouraged them to “be kind”. She lived her life accordingly, with kindness to everyone, whether she knew you or not.

Mary and Mike were part of the foundation of New Creation Fellowship Church in Granger, IN. The church was a long-time outlet for her servant heart.

Her life was a living example of her favorite Bible verse, …for He Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless, nor forsake you nor let you down, (relax my hold on you). – Assuredly not! So we take comfort and are encouraged and we boldly and confidently say, “The Lord is my Helper.” I will not be seized with alarm, I will not fear or dread or be terrified. What can man do to me? Hebrews, 13: 5-6. (Amplified trans.)

Mary is survived by her husband of 53 years, Michael; sister-in-law, Myra Wiggins; her two sons and their wives, Geoffrey and Leigh Ann Gratz, and Samuel and Michelle Gratz; six grandchildren, Alyssa (Gratz) Beachy, Andrew Gratz, Aaron Gratz, Breanna Gratz, Bailey Gratz, and Brayden Gratz; plus 1 great grandchild and her many nephews and nieces. All of these she loved and touched deeply.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her sister, Melinda, and her two brothers, Samuel and Robert.

Please join us for visiting hours on Friday evening July 3, 2020, between 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Saturday morning July 4, 2020, between 9:30 a.m.— 11:00 a.m. at New Creation Fellowship, 30190 CR 10, Granger IN 46530. A memorial service will follow the visitation on Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. at New Creation Fellowship, with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Creation Fellowship.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary (Howes) Gratz, please visit our floral store.