Margie Elsbury

There is no greater joy than a woman who gives selflessly to the family she adores. Margie Elsbury was a woman who lived by her convictions and cherished those entrusted to her care. With ways all her own she was able to speak the truth with love. Margie led by way of example with integrity and unconditional love, and for these things and so much more she will be dearly missed.

The end of World War II brought much prosperity to America well into the late 1940s. Moviegoers continued to enjoy flicks starring Rita Hayworth and Ingrid Bergman, and gangly crooner Frank Sinatra introduced his hit song, “New York, New York”. The new Buick Roadmaster was the shape of things to come for the auto industry, and the post-war baby boom was in full swing. Yet in the bustling city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Cleamon and Pearl (Bradley) McClurken were enjoying some good news of their own when on June 12, 1949, they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Margie Kay into their arms.

The youngest of four children in her family home, Margie joined her older siblings, Jenny, Ralph, and Jim on their family farm located on 2nd Avenue in the Standale area of Grand Rapids. Her father owned his own heavy equipment construction company while her mother remained at home as a homemaker. Devoted to their faith, Margie and her family attended Grand Valley Baptist Church where Margie was very involved throughout her youth.

As a young girl Margie enjoyed tending to her horse named, Bell who she often rode up and down 2nd Avenue. She loved going roller skating with her friends and she enjoyed playing the accordion. And one thing was certain about Margie . . . she could hold her own when it came to playing King of the Mountain with the boys! Having attended the area schools, Margie received her early education from Delaney Elementary School and attended Grandville High School through the tenth grade. As a teen she loved hanging out with her best friend, Kathy.

Margie was blessed with the births of her two children, Laura and Robert. When she met and married the love of her life, Buddy Elsbury in 1975, he took on her children as his own. Margie met Buddy while with a group of friends at her house and her heart was never the same. They spent their first date together with a nice dinner out and on November 12, 1982 they were joined in marriage at the courthouse in downtown Grand Rapids. In fact, the judge that married them was presiding on a murder trial and married the two of them while he was on break as the jury was deliberating. Even though they had no fancy reception, honeymoon, or money, they were certainly very happy. Holland Tunnel Park was a very special place for Margie and Buddy. They enjoyed many memorable times there, it was their special place. One memorable moment was a special kiss they shared as Margie exclaimed, "I'm so happy". A moment the two never would forget.

The newlyweds made their first home together at 1822 Jerome Street. Their daughter, Kara was born in 1983 and along with her two older siblings they lived and raised their family happily. Margie was a loving and devoted mother who drove her kids to school and made a good dinner for her family each and every night where grace was always recited at her table. She was a good cook and was known for her delicious potato salad, wet burritos, tacos, and chicken dinners which she loved. She read to her children before bed at night and was sure to always pray with them. She was a stern disciplinarian when it came to her children yet she was very supportive and loving all the same.

Margie was in her element when she became a grandmother. She loved nothing more than loving on her grandkids and she literally, “spoiled them rotten” with lots of gifts at Christmas and birthdays. She loved sharing stories and nursery rhymes, and she even dabbled with writing poetry. An avid Elvis fan, Margie was completely devastated when news broke about Elvis’ death. She liked her TV programs, especially Everybody Loves Raymond, The Mom Show, and shows about paranormal things like hauntings and ghosts. She also liked her beer and talking on the phone to catch up with everyone.

There is much to be admired about a woman who loved so unconditionally as Margie did. She possessed some special qualities that made her uniquely her own. Margie was a good person who was honest and true. She could see the truth in those she loved and was always willing to speak the truth in goodness and in love. Although she will be deeply missed, Margie’s memory lives on in the endless memories and love she leaves behind.

Margie Kay Elsbury, age 70 of Grand Rapids passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. Besides her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Ralph McClurken and sister, Jenny Wynsma. Her husband of 37 years, Buddy Elsbury survives Margie, as do her children, Laura (Scott) Tanner of Sand Lake, Robert Moore of Grand Rapids, and Kara (John) Wesorick of Jenison; grandchildren, Ashlee Moore, Jennifer McNees, Erek Moore; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Jim McClurken of Standale; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A special thank you to her niece, Diana Krupiczewicz for her special care. Friends may visit with Margie’s family on Saturday, May 30th from 2-6 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. A graveside service will be held Monday, June 1st at 1 PM at Rosedale Memorial Park. To read more of Margie's life story, and to leave a memory or condolence, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.