Mary Jane Gutel (Lansing)

Mrs. Mary Jane Wood Gutel passed away Sunday, May 1, 2022, at her daughter's residence in Lansing, Michigan surrounded by her loving family at the age of 78 years. She was born on January 6, 1944, to Russell Bentley and Mary Katherine McGregor in Lansing, Michigan. She was the youngest of their 3 children.

In 1962, Mary Jane married David Wood and their union blessed her with 3 children, Tom, Debbie, and Doug. Mary Jane and David remained good friends.

Mary Jane was a devoted mother and enjoyed making costumes and clothes. She was very proud of all her children. She was always spunky and would light up a room. She loved anything that sparkled and always dressed her best! She loved the outdoors especially camping and working in her yard.

Mary Jane has been a member of several churches over the years, but her roots are tied to Faith Tabernacle in Lansing, where she began attending at age 11 with Pastor Francis Dunn who was her neighbor. Francis was a close friend and mentor to Mary Jane for over 60 years. Later in life, she accepted the Lord back into her life, and she became a devoted and faithful Christian. She spread the Word everywhere she went.

She was active in the Singles Ministry at Mt. Hope Church where she gained many great friends and met her husband, Bill. They married in 2005 and lived in Lansing with their fur children, Flower and Calley. Mary Jane was an amazing grandmother to her 7 grandchildren, 3 bonus grandchildren, and all her children’s significant others. She was a staple in their lives and took them on many adventures.

Mary Jane is survived by her husband, William Gutel; children, Thomas Wood, Deborah (Joe) Cruz, and Douglas Wood; grandchildren, Nicole (Eric) Pearson, Joe (Danielle) Cruz III, Marissa Roeske, Keleigh (Tyler) Masserant, Kendorah Cruz, Kelsey Cruz, Amber (Austin) Cruz, Dallas (Kylee) Cruz, Jaiden Hartig, and Wesley Lockhart; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Fred (Carmen) Bentley, many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends, including special friends, Diane Dawson, Michelle Poglese and Kathi Brawner.

She is proceeded in death by her grandson, Paul Roeske; father, Russell Bentley, mother, Mary Katherine McGregor, and stepfather, Milton McGregor; sister, Lucy Barrera; niece, Kathy Donley; grandparents, aunts, and uncles including Max Gardner, who she was especially close.

Special thank you to Compass Hospice of Lansing and Dr. Richard Berri and Dr. Ana Boston of Ascension St. Johns Cancer Center for their kind and loving care of Mary Jane.