Maryanne Renae Root Obituary

Osceola- Maryanne Renae Root, 73, went to be with the Lord on March 17, 2024, passing away peacefully in her sleep. Born August 25, 1950, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Dr. Edward and Rev. Ellen Drewa. On May 23, 1971, she wed Rev. Dr. Clyde R. Root in Minot, North Dakota, and they were happily married for over 52 years. He survives her.

Also surviving Maryanne are her three sons, Mark (Sara) Root, Jonathan (Susan) Root, Dr. David Root; four grandchildren, Katie (Jared) Gerndt, Madelynne Root, Melissa Root, Andrew Root; one great-grandson, Elijah Gerndt (due in June); one brother, Gary (Lynn) Drewa; three sisters, Faith Drewa, Sharon Collins, Laura Drewa; one nephew, Jared Drewa; one niece, Sabrina Crews; one great-niece, Petra Groebner Crews ; and one aunt, Jane Ewing. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law, Marcia Drewa.

A lifelong Christian, Mayanne's faith in Jesus was evident in everything she did, most notably her family. She was a loving, faithful, and devoted wife, supporting her husband through his years of schooling and academic career, serving as a pastor's wife, raising their children, and sharing in the joys of their grandchildren. As a mother, she guided and instructed, nurtured and disciplined her sons with the love of Christ, moving with them through the seasons of life from childhood to adulthood. Her grandchildren lit up her eyes and brought a smile to her face, taking them out for special treats and hosting them for sleepover parties, all the while attending every sporting event and concert as an ever-present fan cheering them on. To her brother and sisters, she gave care in times of trouble and supplied laughs in times of fun, always there whether storms or sun. As an aunt, she loved her nephew and niece like her own. She cherished her family. They were her pride and joy.

Maryanne retired from Bethel University in 2013, where she worked for 24 years handling student accounts in the Business Office. When not in the office, she enjoyed vacationing on Fort Myers Beach every winter and going to Mackinac Island in the summer, her "two islands" she called them. When festivities visited home and hearth, her generous spirit warmly welcomed guests with open arms and incredible cooking, her special gift for hosting making every event all the more special and memorable.

Living every day by the Word of God, Maryanne's favorite Scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths.". She did so until the last day of her life, when the Lord visited her in slumber and called her home to glory.

Family and friends may visit on Monday, March 25, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, located at 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, Indiana 46561. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday March 26, 2024 at 1:00pm at Chapel Hill Funeral Home with burial to follow at Southlawn Cemetery, located at 61430 IN-931, South Bend, Indiana 46614.