Marie Behnke Barton

December 15, 1920 - August 8, 2016

Marie Behnke Barton, age 95, of Columbia, passed away Monday morning, August 8, 2016 at The Bridge Assisted Living.

Born on December 5, 1920 in Imlay City, Michigan, Marie was the daughter of the late Henry Christian Behnke and the late Anna Graham.  She married the love of her life, Mark Barton, in 1941.  They spent fifty eight wonderful years together before he preceded her in death in 1999.

She is survived by her children: Joy Hutchison (Kirby) of Waterford, MI, James Barton (Candice) of Columbia, TN, Jean Barton of West Linn, OR, Linda Minkler Browder (Dr. Larry) of Montgomery, AL; grandchildren: Leigh (Rick dec.) Cronin, Craig  Hutchison (Kim), Mark Barton (Monica), Michael Barton, Jill Marie Barton, David (Brandi) Barton , Jessica Marie Minkler, Jennifer Minkler Alford (Matt), Lauren Browder Kuratko (Ryan), Weston Browder; and great grandchildren: Dr. Lindsay Cronin, Matthew Cronin, Austin Cronin, Jessica Keesling, Courtney Hutchison, Randal Hutchison, Ella Barton, Brooke Hailey, Amber Hailey, Wystan Kuratko, and Simeon Kuratko.

Marie was a dear sweet gentle soul who was loved dearly by her family and was a joy to everyone who knew her.

The family will celebrate her life with a private family gathering at Heritage Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Research Foundation, or the Disabled American Veterans Association.