Marilyn J. Staats, 77, of rural Macy, Indiana, died at 2:02 pm, Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Rolling Meadows Healthcare Center in LaFontaine, Indiana. She was born on December 19, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Harold and Edith (Winger) Musselman.
Marilyn received her Associates Degree in Social Work from Manchester College. She married Lawrence “Larry” Staats at their home in rural Macy on September 23, 1983; he died October 26, 2021. Marilyn enjoyed playing piano and organ, and teaching Sunday School at church in her younger years. She later became an ordained minister. Marilyn was a prayer warrior for several prayer groups. She enjoyed going to demolition derbies with Larry and cheering on her family and friends. She loved cooking for large and small groups, and was a supporter of AA and Al-Anon members. She loved flowers, gardening and especially her dogs.
She is survived by four children, Samantha (Richard) St. John of Macy, Jennifer (Robert) Sprague of Columbus, Indiana, Amy (Jason St. John) Brown of Kokomo, Indiana, and Jayson (Joanie) Staats of Macy; 13 grandchildren, Randy (Alisha) Ward, Marcus Ward, Estella Ward, James Ward, Robby Sprague, Harry Sprague, Julie Bever, Brad Bever, Ashley Staats, Kristina (Duelly) Lawson, Teagan (Braden) See, Matthew Staats, and Kaitlyn Snell, along with seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Larry Staats.
Marilyn enjoyed and supported the North Miami Schools Music Department, especially the band, throughout school and beyond. She served as a loyal “band parent” for several years. When attending in person became difficult for her, she enjoyed watching the concerts online.
There will be a Celebration of Marilyn’s life at 1:30 pm Sunday, May 7, 2023 at Grandstaff-Hentgen Roann Chapel, 335 S. Chippewa Road, Roann. Family will receive friends following the service. Arrangements by Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Roann.
Memorial gifts may be given to the North Miami Music Parents (Alumni Angels) or to the Wabash County Animal Shelter. Marilyn would be thrilled that you helped her support either organization. Her heart was full of love for music and animals.
The memorial guest book for Marilyn may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
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