Naples, Florida formerly of Portland Marian Peterson Minkley passed away on December 20, 2009 at the age of 97. Marian was our very special wife, mom, grandma and great grandma. We miss her smile and care. Marian was born on January 24, 1912 the daughter of Gale and Helen (Acker) Peterson in Iosco Twp, Livingston Co., Michigan. She is survived by her husband, Vern of 71 years; sons Chuck (Pam) of Portland and Richard (Carloyn) of Naples, FL.; daughter Virginia (Ken) Christensen of Portland; grandchildren Scott Minkley, Sue (Rich) Greenhoe, Doug Christensen, Andrea (Brian) Gruber, Nicole Minkley; 11 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sisters Virginia, Helen, Norine and a brother Wayne. Marian graduated from Fowlerville High School and Lansing Business College. Vern and Marian were married on May 28, 1938 and began married life in Detroit. In January 1939 they purchased the Ford dealership with brother, Wayne in Portland, where they raised their family. In 1956 they began a long career in real estate. Marian took pride in raising their three children in the Portland United Methodist Church, she was a member of the Eastern Star, was an avid band booster, active in the county Republicans and loved the Tigers and the Spartans. Music was always a talent and joy, as she sang at weddings with Norine and her husband, Vern, in the church choir, she played clarinet and piano, and even organized a family band. She was extremely talented, self taught knitter, seamstress and bridge player. Many fun summers were spent at Gun Lake at the cottage they built in 1945. In 1973 they became Naples, Florida residents where Vern continued his real estate business. They cherished their time boating, fishing and enjoying the Gulf. Her life of caring, loving, faith and family fellowship will forever be in our hearts, as an example to be carried on by her loving family. Memorial services will be held at the Portland United Methodist Church in the spring of 2010. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to the Portland United Methodist Church in memory of Marian. Arrangements are entrusted to the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, Portland. Online condolences may be sent to www.schraubenlehman.com.