Big Rapids – Marie C. Poole, 96, of Big Rapids, passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2009, at Metron of Big Rapids.

 She was born October 24, 1913, in Big Rapids, the daughter of Alexander “Ike” and Edith (Willette) Dilyard, and lived in the area her entire life.  Marie was the last of the Dilyard family that helped establish Big Rapids in the 1800’s.   

She was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and graduated from St. Mary’s School.  For several years, Marie worked for the old Big Rapids Furniture Factory.  She was better known as bartending and serving at the original Schuberg’s Bar, and also at Jack and Emily’s.  Marie was hard-working, loved to have fun, and especially enjoyed dancing to honky-tonk music. 

Marie is survived by her nephew Terry (Kathleen) Montei of Prince George, VA.  She was preceded in death by her brothers Franklin and Edward Dilyard, and her sisters Helen Dilyard and Genevieve Montei.  

Family services will be held at the Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Big Rapids, where Marie will be interred next to her parents.  Memorial contributions for the Activities Department at Metron, or St. Mary’s Catholic School, may be left in care of the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, where arrangements are entrusted.

Tags: Obituaries //