Condolences

In a time when organists are so difficult to find, Marla's passing reminds us that one more from that rare group of musicians who serve the church so willingly even in difficult times is gone. When the Guild of Organists had programs at Trinity or young organists had lessons there to experience the church's rare Schlicker organ and extraordinary acoustics, Marla was always kind in setting up those events and making sure we had access. Some of the youngsters were intimid1ating in the degree of their skill -- they intimidated me, and I was their teacher! So I understood Marla's difficulty in listening to "the kids" for too long! But in the end, she did her best and kept Trinity supplied with an organist at times when other churches were going without. May her soul be blessed as she moves to her next level of service.

Marla was such a warm and welcoming person at Trinity Lutheran Church. We worked on church council together and she was always so helpful. She also played the organ/piano so beautifully. I am happy that she is with the Lord, at peace and pray for comfort for all of us who will miss her.
What a blessing Marla has been to all who knew her.

We are sorry to hear this news of Marla’s death. We lived in Whitesboro in the late 70s and were members at Trinity Lutheran Church in Utica where Marla served in many capacities. A gentleman served as organist and choir director for a short time while we were there, but when he left and Marla would have stepped in, she allowed me to enjoy a couple of years playing that beautiful Schlicker organ and directing the choir before my husband received re-assignment with the Air Force to Washington DC. We will always remember her for her gracious and generous nature, and know she will be missed by all who knew her.

Marla served as church secretary during my pastoral ministry at Trinity from 1991-2002. I could not have asked for a more faithful and dedicated secretary. But what I appreciated the most about her was that when I went on vacation with my family (and both our parents lived a good distance away) she always protected my time with family. She always found some other pastor to take care of any emergency that arose while I was gone. That was her special gift to me and my family. I give thanks for her life-long faith in Jesus and pray for you, her family, to be comforted and at peace in knowing that because of who Jesus is and what He has done, her life continues in eternity with Jesus her Savior and all believers.

Sincerely,
Pastor Herbert Grieves