Mary Austin Luther's Obituary
Mary Austin Luther died peacefully in her home with family, on June 11, 2023, in North Muskegon, MI, at the age of 81. Born in 1942, Mary was one of four children to Dr. John and Jaynette Austin of North Muskegon, MI. Her NM childhood gave her lifelong friendships, performing arts, playtime on and near the water, travel, school activities and leadership roles. After graduating from North Muskegon High School in 1960 and the University of Michigan in 1964, Mary taught English in Bellevue, MI, married John Yeager and had two daughters and a son in Ann Arbor, MI. There she made more lifelong friends in a strong community of families and kids’ activities. She married Jack Deschaine in 1974, becoming stepmother to 8 stepchildren and a granddaughter. She worked for Central Title Services until relocating back to North Muskegon in 1981. Mary worked for The Century Club of Muskegon, followed by Crystal Anderson Realty before joining the faculties at Baker College/Muskegon Business College, and Muskegon Community College, teaching English and communications, until retiring in 2003. Mary earned her Master’s Degree in Communications from Western Michigan University during that same period. She married Carl Luther in 1984, becoming stepmother to three sons. Mary was a lively percussionist and early member of the West Michigan Winds Concert Band who helped organize many domestic and overseas performance trips. She held leadership positions with her local chapters of P.E.O. and Service League, was an active member of the First Lutheran Church community, and participated in her gourmet dinner group, book club, and Class of ’60 group until the end of her life. She enjoyed sailing, road trips and visiting family with husband Carl. She was a lifelong student and supporter of her passions: theology, social justice, music and theater, gardening, Michigan football, and the Muskegon Farmer’s Market.
She will be remembered for her enthusiastic smile and energy, extraverted social nature, and engaging conversations.
Preceded in death by both parents, sister Jane Austin, brother Hank Austin, stepson Paul Luther, she is survived by sister Ginger Austin; husband Carl Luther, children Libby Turner, Lindsey Rosen, Andrew Yeager, stepsons Matt Luther, Andy Luther; nephews Jeff Fleckenstein, Chip Fleckenstein, John Henry Austin; grandchildren Natalie Turner, Colby Turner, Laila Rosen, Lucy Yeager, Greta Yeager, Josie Yeager.
A service to remember and celebrate Mary’s life will be held Friday, July 14, 2023, at 6:00 PM at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1206 Whitehall Rd, N. Muskegon, 49445. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Contributions in memory of Mrs. Luther may be made to the West Michigan WINDS Foundation, the Building Fund of First Lutheran Church, or the P.O.E. Sisterhood Philanthropy for STAR Scholarship. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. www.sytsemafh.com
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