Marilyn D. Reece, Obituary
December 3, 1934-March 25, 2024
Marilyn D. (Grandison) Reece, 89, of Anderson died peacefully March 25, 2024. As a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ from the age of 12, she was a woman of faith, hope, and love.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Rev. Emory C. Reece, Jr.; her parents, R. Paul and Eleanor (Blake) Grandison and two brothers, Harry B. Grandison and R. Hugh Grandison, all of Knightstown; and two great-grandsons, Boone and Lochland.
She is survived by their four children: Marcia L. (E. Richard) Spitzmesser of LaPorte; J. Scott (Carrie) Reece of Nicholasville, KY; Joseph Reece of Roachdale; and Marla (Doug) Hall of Anderson. Other survivors include four sisters and one sister-in-law: Mrs. Leah (Rusty, dec.) McDonald and Mrs. Betty (Hugh) Grandison (both of Knightstown); Paula (Scott) Way, Fowlerville, MI; Virginia (Lloyd) Dunaway, Dayton, OH; Marjorie (Terry) Adamson of Alexandria; as well as eleven grandchildren: Micah, Rebekah, Marye, Gabriel, Gideon, Lilly, Levi, Caleb, RuthAnn, Jon and Rachel; nine great-grandchildren: Marcus, McKenna, Samuel, Oliver, Russell, Jett, Hopelyn, Edwin, and Wayland; and several nieces and nephews.
The center of Marilyn’s life was her belief in God, her family, and her care for others as a nurse. People who encountered Marilyn would often comment about how loving and sweet she was. She would always say, “It’s because of God and His love for me.” Along with her husband, Emory, she served as a pastor’s wife in numerous United Methodist congregations in the North Indiana Conference for approximately 20 years, and then in independent ministry for another 40 years.
After becoming a mother to four children, Marilyn pursued her delayed dream to be a nurse, and became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1972, studying at Ball State. Nursing was truly her calling, and she shared her love and kindness with patients in hospitals (Henry Co. Memorial and Marion General), private practice (Dr. Kenneth Shaver) and in-home private care for more than 40 years.
Marilyn loved her family with hugs, prayers, food, and facilitating family gatherings. She was “Big Sister” to six siblings living on the farm and served as family matriarch after their mother’s passing. As Mom or Mama, she shared joys and brought peace and reassurance, labored in a time of loss, and helped inspire three of her children’s healthcare careers. As Grammy or Mam, she attended sporting events and concerts, taught her granddaughters how to make homemade egg noodles, and baked pies the day before Thanksgiving. During harder times, she provided shelter and stability and shared the joy of little celebrations. As Big Memaw, Mammy or Great Grams, she learned how to text to see pictures from far away, cuddled newborns, and at 89, still got down on the floor for playtime with the little ones.
Marilyn’s favorite pastimes were the simple joys of listening to music, reading Scriptures or a Gene Stratton Porter novel, watching birds at the feeder, or working in her garden. Her favorite word was “HOPE” because she believed in and lived in the promise of God’s grace and love for all people. She was a blessing to us all.
The family wishes to thank the staff and administrators of Home Instead and Primrose Assisted Living for their brief but important service to Mom. Their kindness and care are much appreciated.
Funeral Service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Knightstown United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Harlan Cemetery in Wilkinson. Visitation will also be Saturday from noon until the 2 pm service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, anyone may donate to the charitable organization of their choosing.