Marilyn M. Lightle, 91, of Marion, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at 9:01 pm on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Century Villa Health Care & Rehabilitation in Greentown. Born in Kokomo, Indiana, on May 5, 1933, to Renzie and Floda (Wilhoit) Mason, Marilyn lived a life full of love and dedication.
Marilyn graduated from Northwestern High School and, on January 30, 1981, married Neldon M. Lightle. He preceded her in death in January of 2017. Marilyn worked as a beautician at Bradner Village, also running a shop in her home. She cherished shopping, camping, boating, tending to her flower gardens, indulging in fudge and chocolate, and making noodles. Above all, Marilyn treasured the time spent with her family. Her memory is a blessing to all who knew her.
Marilyn is survived by her son, Nickey B. (Debbie) Graves of Kokomo; daughters, Susan (Fred) Mastin of Marion, Peggy (Jim) Stoller of Columbia, TN, and Annette (Jay) Lamb of Swayzee; step-son, Ron (Nikki) Lightle of Montpelier; grandchildren, Bill (Karalee) Graves of Greentown, Dyan (Jeff) Noe of Greentown, Amber (Nick) Pritchett of Swayzee, Evan (Gina) Deaton of LaFontaine, Josh (Shelby) Head of Gas City, Cory Ayers of Columbia, TN, Abby (Todd) Jackson of Marion, Jordan Lamb of Swayzee, Emily (Josh) Weaver of LaFontaine, and Cameron (Sidney) Lightle of Montpelier; 18 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; special brother-in-law, John Lightle; and several nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Renzie and Floda Mason; sisters, Anna Hill, Jeanenne Norwood, Marie Wyant, and Ellen Coombs; brothers, Owen Mason and Ed Mason; and great-grandsons, Dalton Noe and Jett Pritchett.
The family extends a special thanks to Dr. Sedaghat, Heart to Heart Hospice, and Century Villa Health Care & Rehabilitation for their care.
A graveside service will take place at 1:00 pm on Monday, May 5, 2025, at Converse Cemetery. Nephew, Tim Wyant, will be officiating.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity or organization of your choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
