Marilyn J. Franks, age 78 of Three Rivers died Wednesday July 1, 2015 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo following a brief illness. She was born on Feb. 8, 1937 in St. Joseph, MI the daughter of August and Lydia (Wutzke) Franks. Marilyn attended schools in Benton Harbor and resided in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. When her parents moved to Ocala, Florida in 1982 Marilyn moved there where she resided until 2006. She then relocated to Three Rivers to be near her niece, Laurel Cordes and her family.

Although Marilyn was encumbered by a life-long medical condition, she had an indomitable spirit, was spry with a twinkle in her eye and had a ready chuckle that was sprinkled throughout all conversations. Marilyn, though faced with numerous challenges, was never a complainer and handled herself with admirable grace and dignity. Her memory was prodigious, and her knowledge of her family tree was a marvel of genealogy. She was a master puzzle assembler and had a keen eye for word searches. She particularly enjoyed her time with family and friends, and treasured the celebration of her 78th birthday.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Edward A, Franks. She is survived by a nieces, Laurel (Rick) Cordes and Pamela (Peter) Sullivan; aunt, Arlene (Ken) Wutzke: Sarah F. Franks; and numerous cousins; great-nieces, Olivia Cordes, Terah (David) Victorine and Rachel (Jake) Davis; great nephews, Caleb Cordes, Zachariah (Kelly) Freed, Joshua Sullivan, and Jared (Rachel) Sullivan; great-great-nephew, Sawyer Freed.

A visitation for Marilyn will be held Monday July 13, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Agape Family Church, 56431 Wilbur Road, Three Rivers with Pastor Leon Troyer officiating. Assistance was provided by the Eickhoff Funeral Home of Mendon.