Murlin Esther (Serrell) Martz, 91, of Big Rapids passed away Monday, October 31, 2022, at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids.

Murlin was born February 18, 1931, in Pontiac, MI, the daughter of Donald and Joye (VanAuken) Serrell. She lived in Big Rapids her entire adult life. Murlin graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1948. Murlin met her future husband Robert (Bob) Martz in 1946 and they were married on June 30, 1950.

She was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. For several years, Murlin worked as an election official for the City of Big Rapids and did volunteer work with Area 5 Special Olympics. She was employed by Hanchett Magna Lock and various other positions in Big Rapids before her retirement from Opinions Press in 1992. Murlin enjoyed bowling and golfing and was the Treasurer of the Wednesday Morning Ladies Golf League at Falcon Head Golf Course for many years.

Murlin is survived by her son, Steve (Diane Frumveller) Martz; her grandchildren Marissa (Rick Ganzi) Martz and Nicholas (Michelle) Martz; first great-grandchild being born in March 2023; brother Van (Janet) Serrell; brother-in-law Allen Hales; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her daughter Jane Martz, brothers-in-law and sisters-inlaw John and Velma Martz, Harold and Marjorie Martz, Fern and Harvey Henrikson, Grace and Russ Dunkel and Esther Hales.

Murlin’s family would like to thank The Brook of Big Rapids for their care over the last 8 years. In addition, many thanks to Blodgett Hospital for the expert and tender loving care they gave to Murlin over the last week.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor John Bookshaw officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland View Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Murlin’s name may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.