Marty was born in the turmoil of World War II. Soldiers were being called out on the draft, The United States was busy fighting against Germany and Japan and many resources were being rationed. Yet Marty’s parents managed to turn November 11, 1942 into one of the most special days of their lives.

Marty was born in St. Joseph, Michigan to Marshall and Rosalie (Jones) LePine. Marty had a rough childhood growing up but always managed to make the best out of everything she was handed in life. Marty’s mother married Wayne Fitch when Marty was only 13 years old. This was a great event in Marty’s life, not only because she was gaining a father but she also gained 2 wonderful brothers. This marriage would make Marty’s family complete. One thing that Marty was always proud of was that she and her mom always stayed together. Though Marty and her family didn’t have a lot they definitely loved each other.

Marty graduated from Portage Central High School and started working at the Soda Fountain on West Lake. Marty was then wed to Barry Kitzmiller. Marty became pregnant with their first child, Shelley. Marty stayed at home to care for her daughter, and the house. Marty then found out she was pregnant with her second child, this time she was having a son. Marty became a stay at home mom for the next 7 years. During this time Marty was known to frequently cook for the Rotary Luncheons and other various volunteer activities.

Marty and Barry divorced in the early seventy’s and Marty started working at Durametallic. About one year later Marty began her career at Upjohn as a lines person. As the years went on Marty was promoted to the offices, at Pharmacia, as a Proofreader and then onto the Purchasing Department. When Marty’s youngest child was in 3rd grade Marty decided it was time for her to go back to school and get her degree. She worked continuously on her General Business Degree for several years until she finally completed it in 1981. This was a major accomplishment and huge success for Marty because she knew that with this degree she could be promoted to a professional level. Marty was 100% correct. After she received her Associates Degree she was promoted several times. Eventually Marty was promoted to a Professional Level Purchaser. This was a rare and joyous occasion for Marty, not only because she was getting a promotion but also, Pharmacia scarcely promoted people to a professional level with out a bachelor’s degree. This said something about Marty’s personality and exceptional work ethic.

Marty’s job in purchasing required her to purchase packaging materials for Pharmacia’s new products. Marty was one that took full advantage of her family and their love for her when it came time to test new package products. She was often known to bring home various packages from work to test on her family. She often brought home packing peanuts, recycled packing peanuts, childproof bottles, boxes and labels to see if they were safe and if the community would accept them.

Marty’s greatest love were her 5 grandchildren. This was also Marty’s most obvious love, because everyone that met Marty knew that her grandchildren were number one priority in her life. Marty never missed a ball game, dance recital, bowling tournament or school play that her grandchildren were in. After Marty had a stroke 3 years ago she still insisted on taking care of her grandchildren, just as she had before.

Marty died at her home on December 12, 2002. Marty’s family includes her 2 children Brian and his wife Carolyn Kitzmiller, Shelley and her husband Bob Snyder, both of Vicksburg; 2 brothers Jim and Larry Fitch of Arkansas; 5 grandchildren Andrew, Riley and Michael Kitzmiller, Shae and Jay Snyder. Marty’s mother and stepfather preceded her in death. Friends may visit with her family on Sunday, December 15, 2002, from 2-5 pm, at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home Vicksburg Chapel, where a Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday at 10:00 am. Marty will be buried in the Vicksburg Cemetery. Please leave a memory, or make a memorial donation to the Diabetes Foundation or the American Heart Association.     —Barb DeBack