Marie Kunkler Sofoulis, 93, of Big Rapids, passed away quietly Wednesday, March 14, 2007, at Metron with family and friends from Hospice present. She was born to Frederick and Ada Kunkler on Oct. 10, 1913, in Ohio and grew up in Alma, MI. Marie was the oldest of four children, including two sisters, Elizabeth and Evelyn, and a brother, Joseph. She moved to Big Rapids in the 1930's where she met and married James Sofoulis, Sr., helping to raise his son, James Sofoulis, Jr., Marie also worked for a local restaurant, Murdock's and for 17 years she was a cook at Ferris State University, from which she retired in 1973. She was a fiercely independent and feisty little woman who had a heart as big as the roses she grew. Marie had a great love for gardening. She would work in the black, rich soil of her home on Woodward Avenue every night from the last frost of spring to the first snow of winter. She grew every kind of vegetable possible and a wide variety of flowers, taking the most pride in her roses and gladiolas. The fruits of her gardening labors she generously shared with friends, family and neighbors. She was an avid Tiger's fan, and much to the dismay of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was an avid fan of brussel sprouts as well. Although illness stole her memories from her, she will never be forgotten. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Maxine Sofoulis of Big Rapids, two step-daughters, Mary Johnson of Rockford, and Betty Erskin and her husband Ray of Sparta, nine grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 22 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her siblings; her husband, James, Sr.; and her step-son, James, Jr. Visitation will be Sunday March 18, 2007 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Michigan, 400 Perry St., Big Rapids, MI 49307 or the Alzheimer's Foundation of West Michigan, 213 Sheldon Boulevard SE, Suite A, Grand Rapids, MI 49503