Marilyn Whitford

Marilyn Joyce Whitford, age 73, of Ashley, Michigan died Monday, April 29th, 2013 at Ashley Care Center.
Funeral Services will be held at Bethel Mennonite Church, Ashley, Michigan on Friday, May 3rd at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Joe Pendleton officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday May 1, 2013 from 6-8 P.M. and on Thursday, May 2, 2013 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, Michigan
Marilyn was born in Ashley, Michigan on July 13, 1939, the daughter of Clare and Marian (Rogers) Camburn. She graduated from Ashley High School with the class of 1957. On December 29, 1957 she married Leslie E. Whitford in Edgewood, Michigan.
Marilyn was the former Washington Township Clerk, and had worked for G.T.E. She enjoyed gardening, playing music and was a Jeff Gordon fan. She was a member of the Ashley Lions Club and served on the Gratiot County Mental Health Board for 20 years. Marilyn was a member of Bethel Mennonite Church.
She loved spending time with her family and friends attending and camping at Music Jams all over Michigan and the U.P. She and Leslie hosted the "Whitford Jams" for many years on their farm near Ashley where many came to camp for the weekend and enjoy great fellowship with Gospel and Bluegrass music, great food and hospitality. Marilyn was a wonderful helpmate to Leslie on the farm, always outside milking the cows and taking care of the animals and doing whatever needed to be done.
Marilyn will always be remembered for her love of animals, raising St. Bernard Dogs and never turning away any strays that may have wandered in.
She always had a big garden, preserving fruits and vegetables for her family. She loved sharing it with family and friends.
She is survived by husband, Leslie Whitford of Ashley, MI; 1 daughter, Luanne Billings of Ashley, MI; 2 sons, Eugene (Jose) and Brenda Whitford of Ashley, MI;
Kelly Whitford of Ashley, MI; 4 grandchildren, Matt and Lacey Whitford, Sarah and Tony Siecinski, Rachel Billings, Ryan Billings, 4 great grandchildren, Hannah, Garrett, Addyson, Peyton, 3 sisters, Lois Emery, Margaret Saylor, Inez Keidel, brother, Bill and Chris Chant. She is also survived by her mother and father in law, Gene and Dorothy Whitford.
She was predeceased by her parents, 3 brothers, Clare Camburn, Merlin McNaughton, Roger Chant. Memorial may be made to Bethel Mennonite Church or a charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca Chapel Ithaca, Michigan.

Read Marilyn Whitford's Obituary and Guestbook on smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.