Marilyn Witt Page

Nurturing, fun-loving, and adventurous are just a few of the words that describe the extraordinary woman that Marilyn Witt Page was. She was a longtime resident of the community she loved, and with her warm and outgoing personality she had a way of drawing others near with ease. Marilyn experienced some of the best things that life has to offer, but what made them so special was sharing them with the ones she loved. Someone who lived an active lifestyle, she was game to try almost anything at least once. Life will never be the same without Marilyn here, but she leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

Life during the 1930s was anything but easy as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce, the unemployment rate soared, and things only became more dire when a drought crippled our nation's heartland for nearly two years. Despite the trials around them, Charles and Wilma (Crippin) Swarthout were filled with unspeakable joy as they announced the birth of the baby girl they named Marilyn on January 5, 1936, in Plainwell, Michigan. She was the youngest of four as she was raised in the family home in Scotts by her older siblings, Arnold, Beverlee, and Wesley. Tragedy struck when Marilyn was just a young girl with the death of her father. She was then raised by her stepfather, Ellis Russell.

From the time she was a young girl, Marilyn was a hard worker who was always on the go. It was her job to milk 25 cows before going school every day with friend, Jack Hayward. Marilyn attended local schools and went on to graduate from Climax – Scotts in 1954. Shortly thereafter, she moved into the YWCA and got a job at Bell Telephone.

New and exciting changes were in store for Marilyn when she was set up on a blind date with a young man named Leonard Witt by her girlfriend. Sparks flew right from the start, and it wasn’t long before the couple found themselves in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Marilyn and Leonard eloped in 1956. Together they welcomed four children including Leonard, Lisa, Lori, and Lana into their hearts and home. Marilyn focused her time and attention at home when her children were young. Sadly, her husband died in 1967. A short time later, Marilyn moved to Plainwell where she took a job with Plainwell Schools. She ended up spending 35 years there before retiring.

Brighter days were on the horizon for Marilyn when she later remarried Edward Page. Although she didn't travel much when her kids were younger, she and Edward enjoyed camping and took many trips with her sister Beverlee and her sister's husband Russell. Marilyn’s favorite trip was down the Mississippi River on a houseboat. Her family always appreciated her cooking, and she never measured anything or used a recipe - everything was in her head. Marilyn cooked in mass quantities, too, as she usually cooked for 20 or more people. Among Marilyn’s specialties were her mac and cheese, roast beef and mashed potatoes, and homemade bread. She was very involved in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as she made it a priority to be at all their events and activities. Marilyn was active throughout most of her life, heading to the gym three days a week, and she also went skydiving - not once but twice! She sang karaoke with classic country and western songs, and she loved dancing at the karaoke bar as well. Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Christmas were always her most favorite holidays, and she was thrilled to host and cook for everyone. As her family and friends can attest, Marilyn loved Halloween so much that it was even bigger than Christmas for her. A genuine nurturer, she was forever taking care of everyone else, and she effortlessly put the needs of others ahead of her own. In her down time, Marilyn did enjoy knitting and crocheting.

All who knew Marilyn Witt Page would agree that she was such a blessing in their lives. She was outgoing and bubbly, which made her so easily loved by everyone she met. Marilyn was spontaneous and adventurous with a zest for life that was contagious to all who were near. Always happy, positive, and selfless, she will never be forgotten by all who were blessed to feel her touch.

Marilyn Witt Page, of Plainwell, passed away on August 22, 2017, at Borgess Pipp Hospital. Marilyn’s family includes her children: Leonard (Natalie) Witt, Lisa Rasnake, Lori Jager and Lana (David) Rasnake; her sister, Beverlee Jenkins; and her brother, Wesley Swarthout; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Leonard W. Witt; second husband, Edward Page; and her brother, Arnold Swarthout. Visit with her family and friends and view her life story film on Thursday, August 24 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 25 at 10:00 a.m. at the same location. Please visit Marilyn’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online. Memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association.

When parting Marilyn final words were always, "The good Lord willing and the creek don't rise!"