Marcina Schrader Obituary

Marcina Ann "Marti" Schrader, 80, of Columbia City, passed away peacefully at 3:12 a.m. Monday, October 20, 2025, at Miller's at Oak Pointe. Born on June 12, 1945, in Indianapolis, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late Reverend William Noble Greene and Mary Pauline (Pursley) Greene. The family moved often to serve new Methodist parishes, and while living in Fort Wayne, Marti graduated from North Side High School in 1963. She continued her education at Indiana University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education. She went on to earn a Master's of Christian Ministries at Huntington University. With a servant's heart, Marti lived her life for the love, support and betterment of others. Before her children came, she was instrumental in launching the nursery school at First Church of God which led to the creation of an active preschool program. She then raised five children and between basketball games, speech meets, and 4H for her kids, still found time to teach adult Christian education classes, emphasizing taking the love and life of Jesus seriously, help found the pantry at First Church to feed those in need, and open a Christian book store in Columbia City. She joined the pastoral team at First Church, focusing on outreach programs and women's ministries. At DeMoney Grimes Funeral home she offered grief counselling to those suffering a loss, and for many years continued private counselling to those facing difficult struggles in their lives. An accomplished pianist, later in life she gave piano lessons (best known for their annual recitals on the Dixie paddle boat on Lake Webster). Her 13 grandkids were her pride and joy. Committed to knowing and supporting each of her grandchildren, she attended sporting events, recitals, church presentations and traveled to Russia. During the summers, she would host "Camp Grandma" for all the grandkids – taking them in groups of 2 or 3 to the Wagon Wheel, water parks, ninja gyms, flea markets, beauty salons and Applebees…often dressed in matching outfits she had sewn herself. Mini pancakes, mini muffins, popcorn, and the wonderous and full candy and cookie jars were staples of visits to Grandma's house. She loved being on the lake, particularly Lake Webster, and enjoyed ice cream and a good slice of homemade pie. Remaining true to her alma mater, she was an avid IU fan. In more recent years, she spent Wednesday night with family at Pickle's Restaurant, always enjoying a good slice of pie. In the last 18 months of her life, she was loved and well cared for by the team at Miller's at Oak Pointe – she brought sunshine and cared for their lives too. Surviving are her children, Evette (Daniel) Mosquera of Fort Myers, FL, Stacie (Mikhail) Schrader of Russia, Rex (Holly) Schrader of Columbia City, Stephanie (Darrel) Gudeman of Warsaw, and Krista (Jim) Pope of Venice, FL; grandchildren, Luke (Taylor) Schrader, Abbi (Luke) Bennett, Grace (EJ) Fahlen, Anna Schrader, Polina Timina, Sofia Timina, Adrian Timin, Jared Gudeman, Kylee Gudeman, Alli Gudeman, Jack Gudeman, Peyton Pope and Jalynne Pope; great-grandchildren, Swayzie Schrader and Stetson Schrader; and a brother, William N. Greene. Additionally, she was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Ann Greene. The funeral service is 2 p.m. Saturday (Nov 1st) at the First Church of God, 1200 Depoy Dr., Columbia City. Burial is at the Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the service Saturday at the church. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Memorials to honor Marti's servant heart are to Mission 25 or The Center, Columbia City.