Marie only had a high school education as a foundation, but she continued to learn and grow.  In her 30s she went to Nursing School and became an LVN graduating at the top of her class.  She was a caring nurse serving others in hospitals in Amarillo for many years.

Later she obtained her real estate license and was successful in that field in Amarillo and later the Dallas area.

Whatever she did was done with a strong determination to succeed.

Marie was a believer in Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord.  She often said that she trusted God at an early age and never looked back.  She relied on His strength and guidance to sustain her through many difficulties and challenges and never lost faith in God's power.

Her favorate bible verse is the famous 23rd Psalm because of the strong promise it provides of God's continued presence. 

The family rest in comfort knowing she is safe in His arms and resting in peace.

Marie had a more than 30 year battle with diabetes which frequently caused her distress and infections, but she never gave up and never stopped fighting to get better. 

She continued to learn throughout her life becoming proficient in using the computer in her 70's and an avid photographer.

Later as she faced the challenges of pancreatic cancer, she never lost her fight and continued to battle bravely.

 

Throughout her life Marie and Arley enjoyed close friends wherever they went.  Early in life she had wonderful close friends in school and in their early married life in Arkansas.  Then when they moved to Texas without knowing anyone, she quickly made friends with neighbors and remained close with them for years.

After retiring and wintering down on the gulf coast, she enjoyed making new friends to fish and enjoy dancing with.  Then in Kerrville, she again made close friends in the park.

She had good friends, because she was a good friend.  She will be missed by her many friends.

 

 

Marie was the grandmother to 4 grandchildren--Kim Baise and her husband Sean ,Renee Lantz and her husband Ken, Clay Roberson, and Andrew Roberson.  She and Grandpa took them camping, fishing and traveling and was an example of a life well lived to all of them.  She was also Grandma to 7 great-grandchildren Kelsey Marie Turnham (19), Katie May (14), Sarah May (11), Katherine Marie Lantz (14), Connor Lantz (12), Natalie Lantz (6) and Anna Lantz (3) and 2 great-great grandchildren, Dalton Turnham (3) and Jayden (newborn).  She adored each one and stayed in touch with all of them.

 

Marie and Arley were blessed with 3 wonderful children--Velma, Marilyn and Charles.  Marilyn proceeded Marie in death in 1986 causing a pain in Marie's heart that never left, but she rejoiced in her life. Marie was also blessed with a wonderful son-in-law Rick Rheinlaender, Velma's husband of 46 years and a daughter-in-law she adored, Diana Roberson, Charlie's wife of 32 years.

Life was not always easy raising 3 children especially when each had health challenges, but memories are of a good childhood filled with love, music and fun.

In the children's adult years they each maintained a strong and constant relationship with Marie despite the miles of separation.

In addition to Mothering 3 children, Marie cared and loved for many other children including several foster children, family members and friends of her children.  She treated each with the same love she showed her own kids.

Marie was also a "Mother" to numerous dogs over the years. She was a lover of big dogs, small dogs and everything in between and treated each one with love and kindness.

Even though Marie and Arley attended the same school, they didn't meet until after high school because Arley is 5 years older.  Marie began to correspond with Arley during the war and they got to know each other.

When Arley returned from the war he decided to look her up.  He went to her house and she went out with him despite having 2 other dates that same night.  He said simply "I wish you would go out with me tonight" and she said "I believe I will".  He was a handsome war vet and she was a pretty 19 year old when they said "I do" on September 14, 1946.

That began a love life that spanned 65 years of marriage.  Through all the many challenges and changes of life they stayed in love and true to each other to the very end--an example to so many on what love really is about.

Arley will deeply miss his dear wife, but will remember fondly so many good times they were blessed to have together.

Arley cared for Marie in such in loving and caring way during the final years and especially the final months of her life.

Known by her five siblings simply as 'sister", Marie was the oldest Hart child. Growing up on a farm in the depression years, she helped to raise and care for her 3 sisters and 2 brothers.  As did many during those days, they lived a life of hard work but also had many hours of simple fun around the farm centered on games and music--often led  by her father who played the violin.

Marie was able to maintain a good relationship with her siblings throughout life.  Even though they lived in different parts of the country the bonds remained strong.  She loved and cared for her nieces and nephews as her own too.

 

In the summer of 2010 they all were blessed to have a family reunion where all 6 Hart children and many of their children and grandchildren were present.