Marvel L. Zachman Smith, less than four months shy of living a century, died peacefully Thursday evening, March 15, 2012, at Heartland of Marion.
On July 2, 1912, Marvel was born in Coshocton, Ohio, one of two children of the late Henry and Ida (Stingel) Fett. She graduated from Coshocton High School in 1930.
Being from Coshocton, Marvel was a bit skeptical when she was being set up by Evangelist “Daddy” Graves with a young gentleman from Marion, Ohio, Marlow E. Zachman. Shortly thereafter, they were married on June 20, 1935, and Marvel joined him in Marion. Together they lovingly raised three children, Warren, Gene, and Karen, and shared over 38 years of marriage. He preceded her in death on April 30, 1974.
A loving homemaker, Marvel made sure her husband and children were well cared for. She also helped as needed on the family farm, and took care of the bookkeeping for their Zachman Developers business.
A woman of faith, Marvel had been an active member of the Calvary United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years.
A member of the Green Thumb Garden Club in Marion, Marvel enjoyed tending to her vegetable and flower gardens every year. She also was a member of the “JUGS” club, better known as “Just Us Girls”, and they “went to each others homes to cook meals and play cards.”
Learning to golf in her 60’s, Marvel enjoyed golfing well into her 80’s and played in leagues at Whetstone and Kings Mill Golf Courses, often frustrating the younger golfers.
A very “crafty” and talented woman, Marvel “could make about anything” and she especially enjoyed crocheting and knitting. She also loved to entertain her beloved family and friends.
When asked to describe Marvel, the most appropriate description was that “she was about as close to perfect as you can be.” She was meticulous about everything, always believing that “if a job is worth doing, it is worth doing right.” She also carried herself with dignity, always dressing immaculately and making sure everything about herself was just so.
Getting a second chance at love, Marvel married, Harold F. Smith, on March 21, 1979. They shared over thirty of their golden years together, and wintered in Florida for most of those years. He preceded her in death on October 17, 2009.
She will be dearly missed by her two children: H. Warren (Joyce) Zachman, and Karen (Roger) Hensel, both of Marion; seven grandchildren: Jeffrey (Jana) Zachman, Diane (Scott) Yake, Mark Zachman, Michael Zachman, Chad (Beth) Hensel, Travis (Bethany) Hensel, and A.J. (Shayla) Hensel; sixteen great-grandchildren: Tori, Lindsay, Olivia, Makayla, Ethan, Lexie, Brianne, Brandon, Isaiah, Peyton, Taylor, Riley, Mia, Luke, Cooper and Eva; two step-children: Kenneth G. Smith and Diana (Tom) Mitchell; numerous step grandchildren, step great-grandchildren, and step great-great-grandchildren; and 2 nieces and a nephew.
Including her husbands and parents, Marvel was preceded in death by her son, Lance Cpl. Eugene Lee Zachman in 1960; and by her brother, Russell Fett.
Her family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Monday, March 19, 2012, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring her life well lived will also be held there on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Ryan Chivington officiating. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Apex Church, 162 W. Center St., Marion, Ohio 43302, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Marvel’s family, and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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