Mariann (Brite) Selking

Mariann (Brite) Selking, 101, surrounded by family at home, went to meet her Lord and Savior on the morning of Holy Tuesday, March 26, 2024. 

She was born on a farm near Preble, IN, on February 4th, 1923, to the late Julius and Gertrude (Geels) Brite. She married Reinhard "Reiney" Selking on May 6, 1944. He passed away on January 30, 2016. 

She was a parishioner of the St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. She was also a member of the Rosary Society, the Liturgical and Arts Environment Committee, the Catholic Ladies of Columbia, and the Beautification Committee. She was also a greeter, Eucharistic minister, and Homebound minister. 

Mariann was a charter member of the Preble Volunteer Fireman's Auxiliary. She was an active 4-H leader for 50 years. She and Reiney were honored with being named Grand Marshals at the 1988 4-H fair. 

Mariann's hobbies included crafts, sewing, gardening, and oil painting. She also designed and made bridal and First Communion headpieces for family and friends. 

Mariann and Reiney were the original owners of Decatur Truck and Tractor. Her first job there was driving the truck delivering parts and equipment. She then moved into the administrative and bookkeeping side. In retirement, Mariann enjoyed cleaning the dealership shop. In her later twilight years, she delighted in the fact that the dealership, now Selking International and owned by her sons, offered her light paperwork to keep her hands and mind bright and alert. 

As a young girl, she enjoyed playing music. Along with her siblings, the Brite Family Band and the Sagebrush Ramblers, she entertained across Indiana and Ohio. Mariann was a gifted musician and played several instruments. She was well known for her square dance calling at weddings and parties for years. 

Mariann's greatest love was God and family. She was always a champion for the underdog, often doing unassuming and anonymous acts of kindness. In her later years, sending cards, offering prayers, and waving hello to people coming and going from church was her ministry to others. 

Each and every morning, Mariann started her day by opening the front door and saying out loud, "Good morning, God!". She was very blessed with a group of loving caregivers who gave her cherished companionship at home throughout her final days. 

Mariann was very loved by her family and will be greatly missed. 

Among her survivors are her four sons, Jerry (Wanda) Selking, Jim (Jane) Selking, John (Jane) Selking, and Joe (Ellen) Selking; her three daughters, Judy (Chuck) Schiffli, Jeannie (Rick) Smith, and Joann (Mark) Okoniewski; 25 grandchildren; and 48 great-grandchildren, with three on the way. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant daughter Janice, brothers Roman, John, and Al Brite, sisters Francis Griffiths and Justine Walters, and Sister Regina (Margaret) Brite, CSA. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home, with a reciting of the Holy Rosary at 2:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, with Father Stephen Colchin and Father David Ruppert concelebrating. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to Mass from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. in the St. Mary's Parish Hall.

Memorials may be made to the Adams County Community Foundation / Selking Family Foundation, St. Joseph Catholic School, St. Mary's Catholic Church, or Masses.  

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