Marie Niswonger

Marie Niswonger, 91, of Millersville passed away Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008, at Jackson Manor Nursing Home in Jackson.

She was born March 29, 1917, in Cape Girardeau, to the late Luther and Sarah "Francis" Kistner Bridges. She and Ervin D. Niswonger were married April 26, 1936, at her parents' home in Millersville. In April 1937, they welcomed into the world their only child, Gary.

The family resided in St. Louis from 1941 to 1957, where Marie worked in retail and Ervin as a machinist for Frisco Railroad. In 1958, they returned to Millersville. Marie worked at J.C. Penney and Ervin worked at Southeast Missouri Hospital and the former Jerry Pickens Cleaning Co. in Cape Girardeau.

The Niswongers were active, faithful members of First Baptist Church in Millersville. Marie had been the church pianist as long as most members can remember.

Ervin and Gary both preceded Marie in death Feb. 22, 1995, and Aug. 3, 2005, respectively.

Two sisters survive her, Geraldine Stearns of Washington state and Deana Dillard of Illinois.

The Rev. Daniel Hale will officiate a graveside service at 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at Niswonger Cemetery west of Millersville.

Arrangements are by McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.