Marjorie Mary Gunnels

Mary Marjorie Erickson was born at home on July 2, 1931 in Amsterdam Mo. She was raised by her parents Ray and Mary Erickson along with her sister, Rose Marie. Marjorie’s parents were very Godly people and had their girls in church from the very beginning.

Marjorie accepted Jesus as her Savior when she was seven years old. Her mother was teaching a Bible lesson at church. Marjorie came under conviction and asked Jesus into her heart. In her joy, she ran to her aunts house to tell her the news, but before she said anything, her aunt said, “You asked Jesus to come into your heart, I see His light in your eyes!”

Marjorie was very active in her church and High School. She played Basketball for Amsterdam High, was involved in 4 H and also served as a dairy cattle judge going to the Nationals with 4H. She loved to sing, play the piano and play games of any kind. She was so good, she usually won, even until the end. It was in High School she met her one true love; Marvin Gunnels.

She attended SW Baptist College in Bolivar, Missouri. In 1951 she graduated with a degree in Science. Her favorite course was Chemistry.

Marvin and Marjorie were married on September 14, 1951. They had two daughters; Marla and Merrie. While the girls grew up, Marjorie was a stay at home mom, she sold Avon and then worked for Roberts and Roberts Real Estate Appraisal to help put the girls in Christian Jr. and Senior High School.

After retirement the couple began traveling in earnest, from camping, road trips all across the Country, taking cruises, and visiting Europe. They enjoyed visiting with their family and friends from all over the globe.

Marjorie had a zeal for life and loved to sing: from solos, groups, church choir to the San Diego Choral Club.

She was very invested in her family and friends lives. She was devoted to Christ and served Him in every way. She made it her life mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every person she met. As she started getting sick, she would minister to the doctors, nurses, receptionists and her roommates in the hospital, nursing homes and doctor offices. She showed the love of Christ to everyone she met, leading many to the Lord.

Marvin and Marjorie were married 64 years and 7 months before Marjorie was taken home to be with her Savior on March 25,2016 , at the La Mesa Community Care Center in La Mesa, Calif.

She is preceded in death by her parents Ray and Mary Erickson.

She is survived by her sister Rose Marie McDonnell.

Her beloved husband Marvin Gunnels. Daughters Marla Hutchins and Merrie and husband Bruce Nason.

Grandchildren Sherri and David Sadis. Angela and Eric Hillen, Kristy and Levi Montalban. Matthew Nason, Ashley and Levi Shutt, and Alexis Nason.

Great grandchildren: Eric and Ashley Hillen, Evie, Trinity and Levi Jr. Montalban

Among the family survivors are a nieces and nephews, along with many wonderful cousins too many to count. God has been good. Marjorie came from a strong Godly heritage. It is up to us to carry it on.