Marian Mae Hart-Gay's Obituary
Marian Mae Hart-Gay, 86, Avon Park, Florida died peacefully in Sebring, FL on April 18,
2022. Born at home on February 19, 1936 in Larkin Twp., MI, she was the daughter of the late
Clarence and Eva (Altman) Greanya.
Marian grew up in Midland, MI, as one of four children. She attended public school in Midland
and high school at Cedar Lake Academy.
On June 16, 1957, Marian married the late Merlin M Hart in Midland, MI. Following his
passing on Jan. 25, 2010, she later married David Andrew Gay on October 21, 2012 in Battle
Creek, MI.
Marian received a teaching certificate at Emmanuel Missionary College, a BA at Eastern
Michigan, and a Masters in Teaching in the Community College at Western Michigan
University.
Marian started her teaching career in a one room school house in Hartford, MI, and later taught
in SDA elementary schools in Massachusetts and North Carolina. Following a move to Battle
Creek, MI in 1974, she worked briefly at the Battle Creek Sanitarium Hospital prior to switching
careers and becoming a Nursing Home Administrator at Riverside Manor in Battle Creek, MI.
She and Merlin went on to purchase the nursing home, selling it when they retired.
Marian loved God and was always active in her church. She worked as a Colporteur one
summer in Jackson, MI. She also participated in numerous Maranatha mission trips to several
countries, as Maranatha was dear to her heart. Throughout life, helping others in need was a
consistent focus.
Marian is survived by her 3 children, Debra (George) Whetmore, Suamico, WI, Douglas
(Wanda) Hart, Battle Creek, MI, and Dawn (Kevyn) Raynes, Battle Creek, MI; six
grandchildren, Heidi (Matt) Maenner, Eric (Jamie) Whetmore, Jesse (Brenda) Hart, Mishelle
(Kenneth) Byrd, Crystal (Ben) Giese, Misty (Will) King, and multiple great grandchildren.
Marian was preceded in death by her parents, along with her 3 siblings, Barbara Ellen Medeiros,
Leroy (Phyllis) Greanya, and Richard Greanya.
A memorial service is planned at the Wauchula Seventh-Day Adventist Church
440 Carlton Street Wauchula, FL 33873 on
Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, any contributions will go towards purchasing a tree in memory of Marian, to
be planted at the Wauchula SDA church.
What’s your fondest memory of Marian?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marian?
Share a story where Marian's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marian you’ll never forget.
How did Marian make you smile?