Marcia W Pepke

Marcia Elizabeth Pepke, age 94, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, in Westerville, Ohio. Marcia was born December 7, 1930, in Baltimore, Ohio to Mary Elizabeth Avey and Willis Edgar Wolfe, Sr. She is preceded in death by her brother, Willis Edgar Wolfe, Jr., her first husband, William Arthur Richards, Sr., and her husband, Edward Bender Pepke. She is survived by her children: William Arthur Richards (Marty), Matthew Wolfe Richards (Paula), Salesa Anne Richards, Benjamin Andrew Richards (Vicki), Edward King Pepke (Joan) and Kathryn King Pepke, and grandchildren: Mary, Sarah, Hannah, Margaret, Jeanne, Alex, John and Guy, Jr.

Marcia spent a happy childhood in Baltimore helping her pharmacist father in his store and ruling the neighborhood with her rambunctious friends. She loved recounting weekends she spent with her beloved great-aunts, Aggie and Trudy, in Newark, Ohio.

She graduated from Liberty Union High School in Baltimore, earned an AB degree from Ohio Northern University, and an LLB law degree from Franklin University College of Law. She was admitted to the practice of law in 1956, worked at various law firms, and taught at South High School.

Marcia adored being a mother which was reflected in the love she bestowed on her children. She had no misconceptions they were perfect, but rather, found humor and acceptance in their faults. They always knew they were loved.

Marcia lived most of her adult life in Columbus, Ohio, Central Lake, Michigan and Ithaca, New York. She thrived everywhere. As a woman of action, she chaired and participated in countless organizations ranging from PTA to Lionesses to church choirs. In addition to her civic mindedness, she possessed great curiosity and intellect. She was an avid reader and writer. She created a system including thousands of index cards on which she summarized and rated the story of every book she read. Her love of the written word extended to keeping her own diaries and recaps of vacations along with penning hundreds of letters to friends and family over the years. Her style and wit were widely entertaining and uniquely Marcia.

Home cooking was among her many talents. She produced four great eaters and entertained often. Her gatherings regularly included cocktails, a four-course meal, lively conversation, and games: most notably, Bridge, Hearts and Gin Rummy. As a hostess, she was gracious and giving. As a card player, she was a ruthless shark.

Marcia’s varied interests included going on mystery trips planned by her husband Ed, supporting high school sports teams, and attending Elder Hostels. She loved her church families and “chirping”, as Ed would say, in the choirs. Marcia had a lovely singing voice and played the French horn in marching band. She also loved crossword puzzles, counted cross stich, sparkly jewelry, chocolate, bacon, and popcorn.

Later in life, Marcia was best known as “Peachy Keen Swell”. That was her reply whenever asked how she was doing. It reflected her unwavering, cheerful attitude, and her desire not to burden others with her troubles.

Her family thanks all the beautiful caregivers who attended to her needs and brightened her days in her last years. Most recently that included staff and residents of Inniswood Assisted Living and Hospice.

Marcia’s greatest legacy is her kindness. Kindness with a slight twinkle of mischievousness in her beautiful eyes.

Her family will always love her O’s & O’s, B’s & B’s, and H’s & H’s...and then some.

They will commemorate her life in a private gathering at Torch Lake, Michigan, and service at Lakeview Cemetery in Eastport, Michigan. Any memorial donations, please make to the Salvation Army.

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.