Marilyn Vanvleet

Marilyn Doreen Dewar VanVleet, age 79, passed away on January 21, 2020 after a battle with breast cancer. She was born in Battle Creek, MI on November 26,1940 to Kenneth A. Dewar and Edna May Pruett. She graduated in 1959 from Pennfield High School. On September 26, 1959 she married Philip George VanVleet. They were married for 55 years, until his death in 2014.  Marilyn was a homemaker. She was a Den Mother and a Brownie Leader. After Philip retired, they moved to Big Bass Lake, Irons MI.  For twelve years she was Secretary of the Lake County Democratic Party. She always let it be known she did not vote for the party but voted for the person. She was appointed by the Lake County Commissioners to serve on the board of Department of Health and Human Services. After that term she was appointed to DHHS by Governor Jennifer Granholm and she was elected by her peers to be Chairperson of the Board. She liked to help people and helped as many as she could. She was Deputy Clerk in Webber Township, Baldwin, MI for six years. Was elected Elk Township Clerk, Irons, MI.  Marilyn liked to play bingo, cards, read her Kindle, play games on Facebook, and having family gatherings. Every year the family gathered at Big Bass Lake for the Christmas in July celebration. Marilyn and Philip raised three children of their own and "adopted" her nieces and nephew. Peggy Lacy, Becky (Lloyd) West, Janice Nilson and Robert (Melissa) Nilson. She leaves behind to cherish her memory are her daughter and caregiver; Diane (Roger) Coss of Irons MI. sons; Philip G. (Christine) VanVleet, Jr. of Battle Creek MI, and Dennis W. (Laura) VanVleet of Baldwin ML Grandchildren; Philip VanVleet, Bryan VanVleet, Robert Gwilt, David Gwilt, Brittaney VanVleet, Catherine VanOrman, Jessica Daniels, Scott Daniels and Greg Hill. Seventeen Great grandchildren. Sister in laws; LaJean Hewiff, Barbara (George) Snyder, Jacqueline (John) Malinowski, Pamela(John) Jozwiak, Brother in law Darrell (Marcia) VanVleet, her best friend Daisy and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Philip, her sister; Barbara Nilson, brother in laws; DeWayne VanVleet and Terry VanVleet.  Marilyn liked to tell her family she is going to dance with Jesus and have a glass of wine.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services.  Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 27, 2020 at the funeral home, Pastor Steve Olmstead officiating.  Interment at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. www.henryfuneralhome.or