Marcella T. Etzel

STAYTON – Marcella “Marcey” Etzel began her eternal reward on May 31, 2012, leaving behind her family, a multitude of friends, and a lifetime of memories.  She passed away at the family farm where she lived for over 60 years.  Marcey was born on May 6, 1929 to John and Julia Silbernagel in the Jordan area, just east of Scio, Oregon.  The sixth of eight kids, she was born into a family filled with love and a strong faith in God.  Being a “depression era” baby, Marcey quickly grew to be a hard working and dependable youngster, working hand in hand with her parents, brothers, and sisters on the family farm.   Marcey met her lifetime pal, Al Etzel in 1947, and the two lovebirds were married on November 22, 1949.  The newlyweds began their life together on Fern Ridge Road, just east of Stayton, settling into an old farm house on one of the Etzel Brother’s family farms, where they soon began raising their family of 6 children.   Once the kids were grown, Marcey began a second career at Norpac Foods.  She helped process the fruits and vegetables that she and Al grew on the farm.  She spent 22 years at Norpac, retiring in 1991. Marcey was a wonderful mother and homemaker.  She was totally involved with her growing family and taught her kids the lessons of life.  In the summers, Marcey would get everyone up for an early breakfast and then, with the kids in tow, it was off to the strawberry and bean fields for the day.  Once home from the fields, she would unwind in her garden, before making dinner for her hungry brood.  Marcey’s garden was her refuge during the warm summer months, and what the family didn’t eat, she canned.  By the end of every summer, her fruit room shelves and freezers were completely filled with the fruits of her labor.  Not only did she have enough to get her family through the longest of winters, she always had enough to share with family, friends, and anyone in need.  Marcey’s specialty was her Dill pickles.  Everyone knew of her famous Dills.  Her freezer jams were also an area favorite.  Marcey’s relationship with God was at the center of her life.  When it came to living out her Christian values, she truly “walked the walk”.  She lived her faith and was a wonderful example of Christ’s love. Marcey had a tremendous devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  As a young mother, she led the family in the recitation of the rosary almost every night after dinner.  Marcey was a very active member of St Boniface Catholic Church in Sublimity her entire adult life, and was involved in almost every activity that went on at the Church.  Her friends from Church were a huge part of her large, extended family.  She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of America for 60 years.  Marcey was preceded in death by her son, Rick in 1999, and by her beloved husband, Al, in 2005.  She is survived by daughters Beverly (Steve) Parscale and Judy Samples of Portland, sons; Ron (Anne) of Sublimity, Larry of Stayton, and Leroy (Jani) of Aumsville; brother ; Bennie Silbernagel of Scio, and sisters ; Betty Fischer of Stayton, and Bert Small of Lacey, WA; and eight grandchildren. The family would like to thank all those who helped us in caring for Mom during her final years at the farm including the staff of Santiam Memorial Hospital.  To our wonderful caregivers, you were gifts from God.  We can’t thank you enough for your genuine caring and concern, and the joy you brought into Mom’s life.  We would also like to give a special thank you to the entire staff of the Willamette Valley Hospice; you were invaluable in helping us keep Mom comfortable and at peace during her final 2 years. Visitation: Monday, June 4, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at  Weddle Funeral Chapel.  Please join the family in celebrating Marcey’s bountiful life at St Boniface Catholic Church.  Recitation of the Rosary will be at 7PM on Monday, June 4, 2012 with the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM on Tuesday, June 5. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marcey’s memory to Regis High School or to St Boniface Catholic Church. Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Services Stayton, OR.