Mary Elizabeth Gustke-Garrett

Mary E. Gustke-Garrett passed into the arms of her Savior on October 16, 2025, after a brief illness. Mary was born on May 26, 1939 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Harold Jeffries and Evelyn Alton. She graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1957, and attended Mercy School of Nursing in Cadillac. She then had a long career in nursing, highlighted by several years in the Obstetrics & Gynecology practice of Drs. Bartels, Lakke, and Hoffman.

She was married to Henry Gustke on December 27, 1960 and raised four children with him in Battle Creek. After his death in 2020, she moved to the Chicago area, where she married George Garrett in 2013. Mary loved to travel, camping all over the USA with her family as they grew up, and cruising in Europe and beyond with her husband George. Her life was characterized by selfless service to her family and loving care of them in difficult times and illness. She was a long-time member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Battle Creek, and then Christ Lutheran Church in Orland Park, Illinois, where she served in the Stephen Ministry.

Mary was preceded in death by her first husband, Henry, and her daughter, Marjory (Jim) Kostoglanis. She is survived by her husband George Garrett, children Ann Harmon, Carl (Chris) Gustke, and John (Kelly) Gustke, as well as six grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church on October 23 at 10:00 a.m., preceded by visitation at the church at 9:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church. Interment is at Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery. Arrangements by Midwest Mortuary Services.