Mardell R. Grant

Mardell ‘Mardy’ Grant, 71, of Grand Rapids, MI passed away surrounded by family on May 16, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, sister, and loyal friend. Mardy was born on September 12, 1947, in Indianapolis, IN to William and Georgia Marian Ragsdale. The daughter of a successful business man who worked for Standard Oil, her childhood included moves from Indiana to Minnesota; London, England; and finally, Michigan. She attended Central High School; RAF Bushy Park, London, England, before moving her final semester and graduating from Traverse City Central High School in Traverse City, MI. She attended Boise College in Idaho and finished her undergraduate degree from Eastern Washington University in 1970. 

Mardy enjoyed all things fine arts and had a passion for interior design, gardening and antiquing. An artist by nature, with her mother as mentor, she developed a talent for impressionistic, oil-based painting. She was grounded with the principle of family first and provided genuine love to her friends and family.  

Mardy is survived by her husband of over 50 years, Lou; children, James Grant (Blaire) of Ada, MI and Jeffrey Grant of Grand Rapids, MI. She is also survived by brother, Doug Ragsdale (Linda) of Castle Pines, CO and niece, Lindsey Ragsdale of Northport, NY. She is preceded in death by her father and mother, William and Marian Ragsdale, and her in-laws Bud and Sally Grant. 

A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, May 30, from 4PM to 7PM at Metcalf & Jonkoff Funeral Service. A private family service will be held on Friday.  

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University (Attn: Jill Schneider, 17 Fountain St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI  49503). Please note, the Mardell R. Grant Memorial Scholarship Fund in the check memo line.  All memorial gifts directed to Kendall will support the establishment of an endowed scholarship fund, which will provide important financial assistance to students and honor the life and memory of Mardell R. Grant. 

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