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Marilyn Lorraine Farrell, age 86, of Colon, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 21, 2025, surrounded by her family at Birches AFC in Leonidas.
Marilyn was born on February 6, 1939 in Colon, a daughter of the late John and Dorothy Helen (Walters) Perry. She spent the majority of her life in Colon and graduated from Colon High School with the Class of 1957. Marilyn furthered her education at Grand Rapids Bible Institute and earned her Bachelor of Religious Education from Grand Rapids Baptist College. Apart from her time in Grand Rapids for school and a brief 10-year period in Leonidas, Marilyn lived her entire life in Colon.
On June 9, 1962, Marilyn married the love of her life, David J. Farrell, at the Colon Baptist Church on Blackstone Avenue. They shared 59 years of marriage before Dave’s passing on December 25, 2021.
Marilyn devoted her life to her family as a homemaker. Before starting her family, she worked at The Colon Hardware Store, which was owned by her parents, and later at Zondervan Publishing in Grand Rapids. After her children were grown, she continued to serve her community as Secretary of the Colon Community Historical Society and as Colon Township Clerk for many years. Marilyn was a lifelong member of the Colon Baptist Church, where her faith and commitment were steadfast.
She is survived by her children: James (Shari) Farrell of Rockford, Timothy (Brooke) Farrell of Rockford, and Kimara (Joe) Geibe of Sturgis; grandchildren: David J. Farrell, Olivia A. Farrell, John I. Farrell, Benjamin J. Farrell, Lincoln P. Farrell, and John Walton Ceus; step-grandchildren: Joe (Linda) Gest and Paige (Zach) Spiegla; step-great-grandsons: Owen and Scotty Gest; a nephew, Thomas Farrell; and a sister-in-law, Binnie (David) Markham.
In addition to her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David J. Farrell, and her sisters, Joanna Perry and Janet Kay Perry.
The Farrell family will receive friends and relatives on Monday, August 25, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Schipper Funeral Home, LTD. A funeral service celebrating Marilyn’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Colon Baptist Church, 200 Frank Ave, Colon, MI 49040, with Pastors Kurt Bennett and Jeff Minniear officiating. A private graveside service will take place prior to the funeral at South Colon Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to either the Colon Baptist Church or Birches AFC.
