Submitted by: John Monk

Marietta Coble IveyApril 23, 1936 - May 28, 2007
MISHAWAKA - Marietta Coble Ivey, 71, residing in Mishawaka, IN, passed away at 3:50 p.m. Monday, May 28, 2007, in Our Lady of Peace Hospital, South Bend. She was born April 23, 1936, in Indianapolis, IN, as the daughter of Rev. Almon and Beatrice (Smith) Coble, and had lived in Mishawaka for the past 27 years, coming from Prince George's County, Maryland. She was a graduate of Central High School in South Bend and DePauw University. On June 21, 1958, in St. Paul's Memorial United Methodist Church, South Bend, she married Dr. David M. Ivey. Her loving husband, David of nearly 49 years, survives her. In the early years, Marietta taught in New Carlisle, IN, and Park Ridge, IL, helping to put her husband through medical school. She later volunteered in Family Services with the Air Force, in hospitals in South Bend and in her church. She was always helpful, caring and friendly, putting others first. She was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority at DePauw and Chapter DZ of PEO. Mrs. Ivey enjoyed more than 20 years of faithful service at Grace United Methodist Church as the administrative assistant, retiring in 2002. She was an active member of the church and its chancel choir. She was loved by the church, and is described by friends as gracious, selfless, and never judgmental. When she could, Marietta and David loved to travel, covering much of the country by train. In recent years, they enjoyed many cruises and were always planning their next adventure. In addition to being a loving wife, Mrs. Ivey was a special sister, mother and "Nanna" to her grandchildren. Surviving her are two daughters, Sharon Seanor of Ocean Springs, MS, and Susan (Joel) Gelb of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; and a son, David M. (Lisa) Ivey Jr. of Zionsville, IN. Mrs. Ivey is also survived by seven grandchildren, Dustin and Ryan Seanor, Cooper and Martine Gelb, Max, Sam and Thomas Ivey; and two step-grandchildren, Alexis and Ian Brown-Gelb. Two brothers, John (Marcia) Coble of Bonita Springs, FL, and Glenn (Caryl) Coble of Marion, OH, survive Marietta as well. As with everything in her life, Marietta faced her illness with courage and a positive attitude. Always thinking of others, at the end of her life she asked for strength for her family and was more concerned for them than for herself. She will be missed not only by her family, but by everyone whose lives were touched by her. The family wishes to thank all of the personnel at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center who were so helpful and caring during Marietta's long hospitalization. Services celebrating the life of Marietta Ivey will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 3, in Grace United Methodist Church, 3012 South Twyckenham Drive, South Bend. Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 2, in the Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, and one hour prior to services Sunday in the church. Contributions in memory of Marietta C. Ivey may be made to Grace United Methodist Church.
Published in the South Bend Tribune on 5/31/2007.