Marilyn Jean Switzer (nee: Bennett)

Marilyn Switzer of 1020 N. Tamiami Tr., Apt. 351, Nokomis, FL went to be with her savior Jesus Christ at 2:26 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026. She was 94 years young! Born June 29, 1932, to George and Edith (Bear) Bennett of Frankfort, MI. The eldest of three children; she had a brother Philip (Pawn) Bennett, and sister Margaret "Peggy" (Ralph/"Bing") Jackson.

Marilyn was a graduate of Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. There she met her husband Charles "Chuck" Switzer. They were married on June 27, 1953 and had 51 happy years together until he died July 18, 2004 at age 74. They had two daughters, Cynthia "Cindi", Watkins, Bedell of Lake Saint Louis, MO; and Elizabeth "Betsy", (Matt) Yarcho of Morton, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother and a grandson. She is survived by her two daughters, four granddaughters, Kristi (Nathan) Blankenship of Yates City, IL; Amber (Cameron) King of Lake Saint Louis, MO; Karen (John) Puder of Denver, CO and Bethany Bedell (Mitchell Crain) of Nashville, TN; 8 great grandchildren and 6 nieces, 5 nephews and 17 great nieces and nephews.

Marilyn never met a stranger. She was most proud of being a teacher and loved children. She was the first director of the Grand Ledge (MI) Cooperative Nursery School and taught 3rd grade for 28 years in the Charleston School District, retiring in 1987. After retiring she and Chuck bought a motorhome and went on many adventures including to Alaska. They also went to Egypt and the Holy Land and took several trips to Europe. Marilyn grew up in Frankfort MI, a beautiful resort village on Lake Michigan, where she kept a summer vacation home for years! As a young married couple they lived in Grand Ledge, MI while Chuck was getting his doctorate at Michigan State University. This created a pair of lifetime Spartan fans. It was there they also made many life-long friends with whom they went camping every summer in Northern Michigan.

In 1966 they moved to Charleston, where Chuck was a professor at Eastern IL University and Marilyn taught 3rd grade. She always told people she knew and even random strangers, "I'm a teacher" even after retirement and up until her death! Chuck and Marilyn became snowbirds in the late 1990's and built a park model at King's Gate Park in Nokomis, FL in 1997, where they enjoyed many years of winters. In the late 1990's their girls moved them from Charleston, to Morton, IL to be closer to their 5 grandkids. There they enjoyed condo living and were active members of Morton United Methodist church. In 2022, Marilyn moved to Heartis (now Legacy) Assisted Living in N. Venice, FL where she became a member of Venice Presbyterian Church.

Marilyn always held faith, family and friends as most important in her life. She loved to read, attend live theatre, travel, and watch sporting events. She was proud that she read the Bible from cover to cover! She loved to scrapbook and make personalized greeting cards.

Cremation rites were accorded by: Farley Funeral Home and Crematory. A memorial service will be held at Venice Presbyterian Church on Wed., August 5, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. In October, her ashes will be laid to rest in Hirstein Cemetery, Morton, IL alongside her beloved Chuck. A graveside service for family and close friends will be provided at that time. Memorials can be made to her church, Shriner's Children's Hospital, St. Jude or a charity that benefits children of your choice. Messages of sympathy can be made c/o Ryan Johnson at Knapp Johnson Funeral Home in Morton, IL.