Marcia Wells 

May 24, 1952 – April 5, 2026

Marcia Wells was born on May 24, 1952, in Munith, Michigan, to Hazel “Irene” (Bailey) and Grats “Buster” Howard. During her childhood years, her family settled in Plainwell, Michigan—a place she would always call home. While she spent short periods elsewhere, Plainwell is where she lived the life she loved and built the life she was so proud of.

She grew up alongside her siblings Eugene “Gene”, Betty, Kenny, Dave, Vivian, Linda, Grats “Bucky”, and Penny. From an early age, Marcia helped care for her younger siblings and would often share stories of carrying Linda and Penny on her hip as they grew up. She was deeply connected to her family, very close with her siblings, and cherished every moment spent together. Being with her family was her favorite place to be.

She attended Delton Kellogg Schools and carried those values of love, hard work, and taking care of others with her throughout her life. Marcia spent many years working at Stanford Lodge in Plainwell, Perrigo, Ferris State University in the kitchen, and William Crispe Nursing Home. No matter where she was, people felt cared for. That was simply who she was.

On December 21, 1971, she gave birth to her son, Brian, who became her entire world. She loved being a mother—and she was truly, naturally, incredibly good at it.

In 1986, she met Rick Wells, and the two built a love that would last a lifetime. They were married on June 20, 1987, and spent nearly 39 years side by side. Together, they blended their families with love and intention—Rick with Debbie Dee, Ricky Jr., and Jake, and Marcia with Brian—and created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and deep connection.

They started out with a small radio to listen to, a truck that needed just a little encouragement to make it down the road, a few kids, and a whole lot of hope, faith, and love. Over the years, they planted the seeds of something truly beautiful and tended to it together—growing a strong, loving family, much like the gardens Marcia cared for so deeply.

Marcia was a proud and devoted mother to Brian, Debbie Dee, Ricky Jr., and Jake. She loved her children fiercely and completely. She also shared a very special bond with her daughter-in-law Joanna, whom she loved as her own daughter.

Marcia loved life in a way you could feel. She loved her home, which was always warm, welcoming, and beautifully kept. Her flower gardens were full and thriving—a true reflection of her green thumb and her love for nature and the outdoors. She loved to cook and bring people together, always making sure everyone was comfortable, cared for, and well fed. Her greatest joy was her family—and she poured her whole heart into them.

She and Rick created countless memories of traveling and camping, often packing up on a whim and heading up north for the weekend with a picnic basket and no real plan other than being together. In their earlier years, she loved riding on the back of Rick’s motorcycle, holding on tight and enjoying every second.

In her later years, her beloved dog Chrissy became her constant companion, bringing comfort, joy, and steady love as Marcia faced health challenges with strength and grace. She also loved her dogs Mistie and Kayla, who preceded her in death.

Marcia had a laugh that could lift any spirit and a smile that lit up every room. Her heart was as big as Alaska—full of kindness, warmth, and love. She had a way of making people feel seen, important, and deeply cared for. Her blue eyes were as beautiful as her spirit, and her presence is something that will never be forgotten.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings Eugene “Gene”, Betty, Linda, and Penny; her daughter Patricia; her granddaughter Portia; and her beloved dogs Mistie and Kayla.

She is survived by her loving husband Rick; her son Brian; her children Debbie Dee, Ricky Jr., and Jake; her daughter-in-law Joanna; her cherished grandchildren Courtnie, Chelsea, Josh, David, Cody, and Jaden; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her brothers David, Kenny, and Grats; her sister Vivian; and her adopted sister Emily.

Marcia was deeply loved. She loved life, she loved her people, and she gave that love freely and fully. That love will continue to live on in every life she touched.

Marcia passed away at 8:19 a.m. on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Rose Arbor Hospice, holding Rick’s hand.

Cremation has taken place per her request. There will be no funeral at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Rose Arbor Hospice in memory of Marcia.

Thank you to everyone for the outpouring of love and support during this time.

While visiting Marcia’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 120 S. Woodhams St. Plainwell, MI 49080 (269-685-5881).