Marilyn Catherine Van Patten, 93, of Elkhart, passed away Tuesday October 25, 2022, at her residence in Elkhart.

She was born August 13, 1929, in Elkhart, Indiana to Gilbert & Marian (Stultz) Grootveld.

On February 18, 1952, she married William S. Van Patten Jr.

He survives along with 2 children, William S. Van Patten III of Edwardsburg, MI, Lanni C. (Ray) Retter of Goshen, IN; four grandchildren, Thomas C. (Angela) Van Patten of Edwardsburg, Ashley M. (Tedric) Norton of Niles, MI, Ivan D. (Kimberly) Retter of Fairbury, IL, William E. (Tanya) Etling; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and one on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Zinn Minnix and her stepbrother, Rev. George Minnix.

Marilyn was a member of Trinity on Jackson Church (formerly Trinity United Methodist Church) since 1964, a member of the Athena Club, a member of the Red Hat Society and was a nationally known poet.

She enjoyed cooking and in her younger years was an avid swimmer.

Marilyn loved playing bridge! Her favorite saying was "I bid seven no trump".

She was formerly employed at Robertson's Department Store and the Goshen Airport.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Friday October 28, 2022, at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home, Elkhart.

Graveside services will be private at Rice Cemetery following the visitation. Pastor Karen Koelsch from Trinity on Jackson will render the graveside service.

Memorial contributions may be given to Trinity on Jackson Church, 2715 E. Jackson Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46516.