Marilyn J. Hunt, 75 / April 19, 1936 — June 30, 2011

Published 5:06 pm Thursday, July 7, 2011

Marilyn J. Hunt, 75, of Dowagiac, was born April 19, 1936 in Cassopolis to John and Mildred (Gorton) Fitzgerald.

Marilyn J. Hunt, 75

She married Dallas Dwaine Hunt on Oct. 11, 1958 in Sumnerville. He preceded her in death on Oct. 6, 1998. Marilyn’s courageous battle with emphysema ended June 30, 2011 with dignity and peace in her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was a long time employee of the former Buy Low Supermarkets of Cassopolis and retired as manager of Ruby’s Apparel in Niles. Marilyn was a member of Pokagon United Methodist Church in Dowagiac.

Along with her husband Dallas, Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, and one sister, Betty Thompson.

She is survived by five daughters, Laura (William) Willard of Cassopolis, Bobbi Jo (Richard) Lowe of Cassopolis, DeeDee (Walter Ittermann) Hunt of Stevensville, Madge Gajewski of Dowagiac and Penny (Michael) Williamson of Elkhart; one son, Timothy A. Hunt of Niles; four grandchildren, Carla Lowe of South Bend, Robert Lowe of Dowagiac, Jessica Gajewski of Dowagiac and Dallas Williamson of Elkhart; two great-grandchildren, Chase Gajewski Frazier and Elijah Gajewski Frazier; five sisters, Vivian Benkowski of Shelton, Wash., Jeanette Bates of Cassopolis, Patricia Sween of Lakeside, Calif., Judy (Richard) Adam of Lancaster, Calif. and Bonnie (Bill) Checkley of Cassopolis; two brothers, William Fitzgerald of Cassopolis and Joseph (Barbara) Fitzgerald of Luther; and sister-in-law, Lila Hunt of Niles.

Marilyn was a strong-willed and talented woman who enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and watching her favorite game shows, “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy” — she outwitted her family through her final days. Marilyn had strong political and religious views and could debate with the best of them. She also loved arranging social functions with the Cassopolis Rangers Class of 1953. Several of those friendships lasted her lifetime.

Family and friends will gather on today from 4 to 8 p.m. at Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway St., Cassopolis.

Services will be on Friday, July 8 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. The Reverend Patty Haas will officiate.

The family prefers memorial contributions be made to The Old Rugged Cross Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 41, Niles, MI 49120, or Pokagon United Methodist Church, 31393 Kansas St., Dowagiac, MI 49047.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel, Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Online condolences may be posted at www.wagnercares.com.