Marilyn June (Gabert) Wells

Marilyn June Gabert Wells, of Grand Rapids, MI passed away peacefully at home with family at her side on May 13, 2020, at age 90, from natural causes. Born June 9, 1929 in Detroit, MI, Marilyn was a loving wife and mother, devoted to her family.

Marilyn studied piano, flute and harp at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, then earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Western Michigan University in 1951.

While at Western, she met her future husband Ralph Wells, a busy musician and teacher. Upon her graduation, they married, moved to Grand Rapids and started a family.

An accomplished musician herself, she provided private music instruction for many flute and piano students. Raising a family in a very musical home, she encouraged her children to pursue all of their interests, musical and otherwise.

Her warm sense of humor, wonderful laugh and natural grace provided a way for everyone she met to simply be themselves and feel loved.

Marilyn is survived by sons: David (Cheryl) of Grand Rapids, Tom (Rae Beth) of St. Paul, MN, Kevin (Becky) of Wyoming, MI, Bob (Sharon) of Belding, and daughter: Carol Palms (Mark) of Manchester, MI, grandchildren: Mark (Yelena), Greg (Michele), Erin (Taylor), Dillon, Kyler (Traci), Rylee (Curtis), Jacqueline, Natalie, Peyton (Jonathan) and Seth, and 14 (+1) great-grandchildren, each of whom she held close.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Ralph Wells, brothers Larry and Ed Gabert and parents Otto and Marie Gabert.

Marilyn’s immediate family will celebrate her beautiful life at a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, we welcome donations to First (Park) Congregational Church of Grand Rapids, and to Faith Hospice.

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