Mary LaRue Manier

Mary LaRue Manier, 89 of Atlanta (Big Rock), MI passed away peacefully at Medilodge of Hillman on the morning of September 3, 2025. Mary was born in Atlanta on August 23rd, 1936 to the late Lawrence and Fannie Manier in the very same farmhouse bedroom that her father was born in, located on the Centennial Family Farm (Established 1880). Mary grew up strong on the farm tending to many of the chores such as milking cows, feeding the cattle and pigs, baling and stacking hay, subsistence gardening, and learning to drive the tractor at the age of 7 years old. She enjoyed playing pick-up baseball games with local sandlot players and her older brothers, horseback riding, and exploring the great outdoors. After graduating from Atlanta High School, she attended Central Michigan University and obtained her teaching certification in 1963. Mary taught the subject of English at the Junior High School level in Lake Fenton, Clawson, with most of her years spent teaching in Troy, MI. She retired in 1987, moving back to the family farm where she resided proudly and contently for the next 35 years.

Mary was an active supporter of the Atlanta Community for many years. Upon her return to the area, she volunteered her time serving on the Atlanta Community School Board of Education, Atlanta Thunder Bay Eagles #4077, and the Montmorency County Historical Society. She was also instrumental in initiating and supporting the inaugural Atlanta Elk Festival. For decades her vehicle vanity license plate read, “ATLANTA.” Mary loved her farm, local history, natural surroundings and wildlife (especially songbirds), close dear friends, pet cats, and her beloved Detroit Lions Football team. Mary had endearing qualities that will be missed yet fondly remembered by her caregivers and close friends.

Mary is survived by a few distant relatives that reside in the Washington State vicinity, the local Marlatt family, and her cool cat—Mickey, who turned 21 in human years this year (100 in feline years!). She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Fannie; and brothers, Murray, Larry, and David.

There will be a graveside celebration of life held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Manier Farm Cemetery just west of the red roof Centennial Farmhouse located on Manier Road. All donations honoring Mary are to be sent to the Elk Country Animal Shelter in Atlanta, MI.