Mardella Gortmaker
November 9, 1941 ~ August 12, 2023
Mardella Gortmaker, 81, of Watertown and formerly of Miller, passed away Saturday, August 12, 2023, at the Jenkins Living Center in Watertown.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 17, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church, Miller, with Rev. Teresa Whetsel officiating. Burial will follow at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at Reck Funeral Home, Miller.
Mardella Marie (Tiff) Gortmaker was born on November 9, 1941, to Harry & Hazel (Lancaster) Tiff on the farm. She grew up near Doland and attended country school through the 8th grade. Mardella and her family moved to California where she entered high school.
She met Louis (Louie) Gortmaker in Doland, while she was back for a vacation, and he followed her back out to California where they then got married on January 4, 1958. They, then, moved back to Miller, where she worked for Rexall Drug for over 30 years until her health forced her to retire. She, then, moved to Henry in 2011, where she resided until becoming a resident of Jenkins Living Center in Watertown until her passing. The Jenkins nursing staff was like a second family to her.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Miller. She loved playing bingo, dancing, playing cards, and she bowled for many years. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. She was a great cook and baker and LOVED Elvis Presley. Mardella also loved reading and doing crossword puzzles.
She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Roxanne (Fain) Geiger of Henry, SD; granddaughter, Alyssa (Earl) Rhody of Clear Lake, SD; grandson, Kelby Goodall of Henry, SD; great grandchildren: Tierra (Chris Page) Rhody of Henry, SD, Hayley Goodall of Henry, SD, and Travis Goodall of Henry, SD; great great grandchildren: Zaliah Breese, Willow Breese, Gavin Page, and Jameson Page of Henry, SD; brother, Darrell (Shirley) Tiff of Branson, MO; several sisters and brothers-in-law; nieces; and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Louis (Louie) Gortmaker; an infant son, Randy Gortmaker; parents: Harry and Hazel Tiff; sisters: Janice Battest and Evelyn Tiff; brothers: Delbert Tiff and Allen (Keith) Tiff; mother and father-in-law; grandparents; and several sister and brothers-in-law; and nieces and nephews.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Mardella's arrangements.
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How saddened we were to hear your message, Roxanne, of your Mom’s passing. Mardella was a faithful and dependable employee for many years at Miller REXALL Drug and ends an era in our memories. May God’s love and grace, along with your good memories help ease your loss and make you smile. Our sincere sympathy To your family. Harlan and Kathy Meier
My sincere sympathy to the family of Mardella Gortmaker.
My sympathies to the families, Mardela was a very lovely person blessings to you all
Roxanne and family, I am sadden to hear of Marcella’s passing. God chose a fantastic 1st cousin of mine and now she can RIP in the arms of Louie and their son Randy. She and I had lots of laughs growing up as she lived down the road from our family near Doland. We even had more after Bruce and I got married and lived down the street and around the corner in Miller. As God wraps His arms around you and your family, just remember, you have lots of love and memories to help each and every one of you. God Bless you all during these sad times.
Oh my dear, dear Mardella,
I was so BLESSED that God put me on your Path so many years ago.
I remember the first day I met you, this little tiny lady with a mighty will!!
You wanted to get as far away from JLC as you possibly could and you wanted me to help you accomplish this task. That is when our friendship stated. (Thelma and Louise!)
I. have so many wonderful memories of you and I!!
I loved our monthly outings for shopping and lunch dates, oh how you loved to shop!
You attended Chuck and my wedding and you were the second little lady he wanted to dance with, oh how we LOVE you Mardella!!
You are now at PEACE and WHOLE again in HEAVEN!
I will forever be grateful to have known you, your brother, your family, and my "SISTER Roxanne!!
Until we meet again Mardella, I LOVE YOU!!
One BIG Hug from me!!
XO,
Janie
Sorry for your loss.
Our Deepest Sympathy
Dr. Dick and Kathy Splichal
MY DEEPESET SYMPATHY TO ROXANNE AND FAMILY!! REST IN PEACE MARDELLA!!
Roxanne and family-
I was saddened to read of Mardella's passing. I remember all the years she worked behind the counter at Recall. I absolutely LOVED having her wait on me here and at the soda fountain. She was. 100% a people person!! And you were the light of her life along with your dad. My deepest sympathy to all of you and I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers! RIP SWEET MARDELLA!!🙏💐
So sorry to hear of Mardella's passing. She was so much fun and I was lucky enough to work with her at Rexall Drug for four years. She had a laugh I will never forget! It was infectious. I have many great memories of Mardella and Louie that I will keep with me. You are in my thoughts Roxanne and family. I hope all your great memories you have will sustain you through this time.