Marilyn Smith

Marilyn G. Smith, 86 of Elkhart, IN passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at “My Mother’s House” in Bristol, IN. Marilyn was born on August 10, 1939 in Three Oaks, MI to Edward and Martha Behnke. She married the love of her life, George W. Smith on April 9, 1961 in Three Oaks, MI. Together they shared a wonderful life, raising three wonderful children, Michael, Julia and Sara. Marilyn and George lived in the same home since 1965 in Elkhart, IN.

Marilyn graduated from Three Oaks High School; she earned her degree as a Registered Nurse from Bronson Methodist Hospital. She worked at Elkhart General Hospital as a surgical nurse from 1960 until her retirement in 1999. She also worked for four years as a school nurse. Marilyn was a member of the Association for Operating Nurses, Order of Easter Star- Starlight Chapter 181, Former Trinity United Methodist Church, Past President of the Friendship Garden Club and the Hospital visitation program. Marilyn and George are members at Trinity on Jackson Church.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of over 64 years, George Smith; her sisters, Beverly (James) Lodge of Holiday, FL., Barbara (Dr. John) Herman of Portage, MI., Pamela (Dr. James) Catto of Beverly Hills, MI; her brothers Edward (Pamela) Behnke of Zellwood, FL. and Robert Behnke of Ann Arbor, MI and her 2 granddaughters, Olivia Barraza of Davenport, FL., and Madison Barraza of Elkhart, IN., as well as several nieces and nephews. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Martha Behnke, her children Michael Smith, Julia Smith and Sara Barraza and her sister Rheta Behnke.

Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Trinity on Jackson Church, 2715 East Jackson Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46516 where funeral services will be at 11am on Friday, September 26, 2025. Visitation will be one hour before services at the church. Marilyn will be laid to rest at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart, IN. Memorial donations in memory of Marilyn may be made to Trinity on Jackson Church or Shriners Children’s Hospital, 2211 North Oak Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60707 www.shrinerschildrens.org Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting Marilyn’s family. Online condolences may be made to Marilyn's family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com