Marilyn Jane Magruder, 84, passed away December 31, 2021 at Good Samaritan Hospital.
She was born August 19, 1937, in Freelandville to the late Arthur Walter and Pansy Dora (Russell) Schaefer. She was named after the long time Vincennes Head Librarian Jane Kitchell.
She graduated from Freelandville High School in 1955, and Vincennes University in 1957. While at V.U. she was the coordinator of servers which were utilized during all the large dinners that filled the great new Green Auditorium. She was affectionately known as “Sunshine” at V.U.
Marilyn started her chosen profession as a 1st and 2nd grade teacher in Effingham, IL, Community Unit 40, serving as the youngest teacher in the state of IL in 1957-1958, with the total age of the 4 teachers being only 96.
After residing in Tacoma, WA for 3 ½ years, she and her family returned to Indiana, living in Washington and Jasper, before finally settling as a life-long resident of Vincennes.
Marilyn operated a day care in her home for many years. She served at the Vincennes License Branch for 14 years. She was always pleasantly surprised in her later years when people still recognized her as the nice lady who issued their drivers license. She next was employed by Valley Electric Supply as receptionist for 14 years and retired in 2002.
In retirement Marilyn returned to teaching as a substitute teacher for elementary schools in the Vincennes Community School Corporation. She became friends with the very fine teachers she worked with and loved once again working with children. Ill health forced her to leave teaching in 2006, which was a very sad day. She always said the children taught her more than she ever taught them.
Marilyn was baptized and confirmed at Bethel United Church of Christ in Freelandville, and subsequently was a member of St. John’s UCC in Vincennes where she served in many capacities.
Marilyn always had time to attend any and all activities of her children and grandchildren. She only wished she could have been more involved with those who lived away. A proud memory was watching two grandsons from two different schools compete against each other at the Indiana State Marching Band competition at Lucas Oil Stadium. Both winners in her heart.
It was Marilyn’s wish that her family, friends, and acquaintances remember her with a smile. She made friends easily and could tell a story that could bring a laugh, even if at her own expense. Whenever people would leave her most would say (including her son) “Stay out of trouble!”. They knew she attracted it. She was someone people would seek out for advice or just to talk, which always made her happy, even if in poor health.
Marilyn is survived by her brother, Hugh Schaefer (Glenda) of Vincennes; her sons Steve Magruder (Beth) of Evansville, and Tim Magruder (Karen) of Vincennes and daughter in law Lucy Magruder of Vincennes; her grandchildren Peyton Magruder Broadhurst (Nate) of Ogden UT, Ryan Magruder of Denver, Nick Magruder of Evansville, Matthew Magruder of Evansville, Brent Magruder of Vincennes, Joshua Magruder of Vincennes; great grandchildren Aspen Broadhurst, Sophia Magruder, and Hunter Magruder; nephew Chad Schaefer, and father of her children Harlan Magruder.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her son David Magruder, and her loving companion Clisten Corbett.
Marilyn and the family would like to thank that staff of Fox Ridge Manor, Good Samaritan Hospital and Rehab, and Gentle Care for their support and care over the past few years. She would also like to thank her recent caregivers for the amazing care and friendship, who helped her maintain a level of independence over the last two years; Karen Blehm, Daniel Bossenberry, Abigail Kifer, Terri Allen and her faithful dog Little, Michelle Martin, Jessica Lawyer and Priscilla Limbach.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Riley Children’s Hospital and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Visitation will be held at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home, 524 Broadway, Vincennes, IN at 12:00pm on Tuesday January 11th, with services at 3:00pm. Interment to follow at Mt. Calvery Catholic Cemetery, next to her son David.
Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is privileged and honored to be entrusted with the care of Marilyn.
