Marilyn Bennett

All who knew Marilyn Bennett would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. While she was tough as nails, she also had one of the most tender hearts around. Marilyn was an amazing cook who made sure that no one ever left her home without being well fed. It was easy to see that she treasured her family, and she was so thrilled to become a grandmother later in life. Marilyn was so proud to be a part of the Bennett family, and she fully embraced everything that the farming lifestyle encompasses. Deeply loved by all who knew her, Marilyn will be forever missed.

It seems only fitting that Marilyn’s journey began during a time that was as vibrant as she was. It was the 1950s when Marilyn Monroe and James Dean dominated the silver screen while Elvis Presley forever transformed the world of music with the sounds of rock ’n roll. Televisions were becoming a regular part of our homes, and with shows like Father Knows Best, we had a unique peek into the typical American family. Amidst this exciting time was a time of great anticipation in the lives of Floyd and Edna (Keller) Samson as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as winter held the City of Three Rivers, Michigan, firmly in its grip as January dawned in 1951. The big day finally arrived on January 16th when the baby girl they named Marilyn Sue drew her first breath. She was the second of four children as she was raised in the family home in Mendon, Michigan alongside her older sister, Ann, and her younger sisters Deb and Lori. Marilyn’s father worked in manufacturing while her mother was a busy homemaker.

In many ways Marilyn was a typical young girl for her generation. In kindergarten, she established a friendship with a young girl named Diane, and they became best friends for the rest of Marilyn’s life. The two remained very close and spent many hours together talking, laughing cooking and shopping. Marilyn attended Mendon Schools and was a cheerleader.

Not to be forgotten during her years in school was Marilyn’s introduction to the young man of her dreams. His name was Larry Bennett, and they were introduced by her sister, Ann, and her husband, Rex, at the Factoryville Bible Church in 1966. They dated some in high school, but things didn’t get serious until 1968. Marilyn and Larry fell deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together the sweethearts were married on December 6, 1969, at the Factoryville Bible Church. Together they welcomed two children, Trevor and Traci, into their hearts and home through adoption. Marilyn was an amazing homemaker who was especially skilled in the kitchen. She was a bit particular when it came to her kitchen as everyone knew not to cook in her house without her strict supervision. In addition to her cooking, Marilyn made the best desserts. When anyone would stop by, they always left with a treat. In fact, Marilyn never let anyone leave the driveway without being fed - including the garbage man! She absolutely loved being part of the Bennett family farm, and she was nicknamed the CEO of the farm by many. Marilyn would often sit by the family dining room table listening to the farm radio and watching all the workers go in and out, just to keep up with what was going on.

Throughout her life Marilyn was a busy woman. Although she battled multiple sclerosis for more than 30 years, Marilyn didn’t let it hold her back any. She was a fan of Kenny Rogers and was known to camp out for tickets to his shows to make sure she got a good seat. Country music was always Marilyn’s favorite and for many years it played on the radio in the kitchen all day and all night. She enjoyed shopping, decorating, and crafts, and when relaxing at home she made sure to see every episode of American Idol. Marilyn had an ongoing battle with breast cancer since 1993, and she had also been in a wheelchair since 2006. A true fighter through and through, she battled ovarian cancer on and off for the past eight years. Even when times were challenging, Marilyn continued to delight in her family, and she treasured her role as a grandmother. She was blessed with four grandchildren including Cole, Lexi, Noah, and Ty, although their family was deeply saddened that Noah passed away at birth. Marilyn treasured her family, and she savored each and every moment they spent together. As her family grew, there were more who looked forward to everything that came out of Marilyn’s kitchen. In everything she did, she always liked to look her best as she had her nails and makeup done and also made sure she had the perfect outfit on for the occasion.

Loving, nurturing, and generous beyond measure, Marilyn Bennett was like a mother to everyone she met. She loved the community she called home throughout her life, and with her warm and genuine personality she never met a stranger. Life wasn’t always easy for Marilyn, but she faced whatever came her way with both grace and courage while also being very strong when it came to the challenges she faced. Life will never be the same without her here, but she leaves behind a timeless legacy of love and strength that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

Marilyn Sue Bennett, of Fulton passed away on Monday, October 16, 2017. Marilyn’s family includes her husband, Larry; two children: Trevor Bennett (Holly Smith), of Fulton and Traci (Bill) Peck, of Scotts; four grandchildren: Cole, Lexi, Noah, and Ty; siblings: Ann (Rex) Crotser, of Mendon; Deb (Mike) Weinberg, of Athens; Lori Masnari, of Three Rivers; and half-brother Tim Samson, of Three Rivers; special childhood friend, Diane (Lon) Huffman, of Mendon. Marilyn was preceded in death by one grandson: Noah Bennett and her parents Edna and Floyd Samson. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-270-1367). A memorial service will be held on Friday at 11am at Wakeshma Community Church, 16732 East UV Ave, Fulton. Please visit Marilyn’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook and share a memory. Those who wish may make contributions to the Wakeshma Community Church and/or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.