Marcia (Gustke) Harbert

Marcia (Gustke) Harbert, age 89, passed away peacefully at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo on January 3rd with her three children at her bedside. After a stroke in 2008, she staged a long, feisty battle with dementia. Marcia, the daughter of Chris and Myrtle Tucker, was born on June 27, 1928.

Up until her stroke, Marcia had a very rich life. She graduated from Battle Creek Central High Hchool, where she was in several clubs. Then she got a degree in literature from the University of Michigan, and she continued to voraciously read many books over the years. Later she got her teaching certificate at Michigan State University.

Marcia was an English teacher at Battle Creek Central and later Gull Lake High School, after the family moved to Hickory Corners.

An ardent people-person, Marcia belonged to many clubs, including the Battle Creek Country Club, PEO Sisterhood, which helps educate women, and the Red Hat Society. She had a strong spirit and unquenchable love of life. And over the years, she made lots of friends that she loved dearly. She also had a home in Venice, Florida and travelled to Kenya, Mexico and other locales.

Marcia was married to Richard Gustke of Battle Creek and to Ralph Harbert, who are both deceased.

Marcia is survived by her children, Constance Gustke of Rhinebeck, New York; Rick J. (Eva) Gustke of Dayton, Ohio, and Martha (Bill) Burdick of Liberty Lake, Washington; her grandchildren, Richard, Rodiney, Chris and Allison; and her great-grandchild, Grayson.

A Celebration of Marcia's Life will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 23rd at the First Congregational Church, Battle Creek. To honor Marcia, please consider making donations to S.A.F.E. Place of Battle Creek or the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Marcia may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.