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E. Marie Trump, of Pierceton, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, June 14, 2026. A devoted wife, mother, proud grandmother to many and her life was blessed with great, great-grand and great-great-grandchildren. A beautiful life of 97 years, she was the heart of her family and will be dearly missed by all who loved her.
Marie's life began in Nappanee, Indiana, where she was born to George Clarence and Ethel Mae Besse Messmore on May 20, 1929. The youngest of eight children, Marie grew up in a large family where faith, hard work and devotion to family were treasured values. She remained a lifelong resident of the Pierceton area and was deeply rooted in her community.
On Sept. 23, 1949, she was united in marriage to Richard “Dick” Trump, in Merriam, by Franklin Orr. Dick preceded her in death in July 1991. Together, they built a loving home and family and shared more than four decades of marriage.
Dick and Marie were the owners and operators of Northern Gases & Supplies Inc. in Pierceton from its inception. Through determination, hard work, and commitment to serving her customers, she helped establish the business as a respected and successful local enterprise.
A woman of deep faith, Marie found great comfort and joy in reading her Bible and faithfully serving her church. She served on several church boards and was a longtime school board member, dedicating countless hours to the betterment of her church, community and local school. Marie was a former Whitko School Board member, as well as the boards for the K21 Health Foundation and United Way.
Marie had a gifted green thumb and took pride in her flowers and gardens. She was also known throughout her family for her uncanny ability to remove even the most stubborn stains from clothing. A simple reflection of the loving care she gave to those around her. She especially loved hosting family gatherings, welcoming generations of family into her home, and creating lasting memories around her table.
Above all else, Marie was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. As the last surviving member of her generation, she carried forward the stories, traditions and values of the Messmore family, sharing them with the many descendants who were blessed by her love, wisdom and guidance. Her unwavering faith, generous spirit, strong work ethic and love for her family will remain a lasting legacy.
Marie will be lovingly remembered by her children: Steve (Rosemary) Trump, Claypool; Denny (Susan) Trump, Pierceton; Deb (Roger) Thomas, Pierceton; Chuck (Jane) Trump, South Whitley; and Mary (Jeff) Bolinger, Pierceton. Also surviving are her beloved 12 grandchildren, one stepgrandchild, 24 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard “Dick” Trump; parents, George Clarence and Ethel Mae Besse Messmore; six brothers: Robert, Wayne, Pete, Glenn, Earl and Gene Messmore; and her sister, Doris Williamson.
Marie’s life will be celebrated with a funeral service at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 18 at Redpath-Fruth-Byers Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, and officiated by Pastor Brian Chamberlain. Friends and family may visit prior to the visitation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton.
Memorial donations may be directed to Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation, 1178 Fremont Court - suite 2, Elkhart, IN 46516.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com
