Marilyn J. Ives
February 22nd, 1936 - July 22nd, 2022
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Marilyn's Obituary
Marilyn J. Ives, 86, of Gilbert, Arizona, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away on Friday, July 22, 2022. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 21st at 11:00 AM, St. Joseph Catholic Church, followed by burial services at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday September 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Marilyn was born February 22, 1936, in St. Joseph, Michigan in a house on Market Street, to John and Mary Forney. She grew up on a farm and loved the country life! Marilyn graduated from St Joseph Catholic High School in 1954, and married the love of her life, Douglas J. Ives, on July 23, 1955, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. One of her greatest joys in life was being a military wife. While stationed in Germany with Doug and their children, they traveled all over Germany, but also visited Switzerland, Austria, France, Spain, Luxembourg, and especially Italy, where they visited the historical Colosseum in Rome and the Vatican. She was able to save some holy water from the Grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes, France. Marilyn loved to travel and as a family they also vacationed extensively across the United States.
After Doug passed away in 1978, Marilyn relocated to Arizona. Several years later she moved to San Diego, California to be close to her daughter. They all subsequently moved back to Arizona in 2005 where she spent the remainder of her years.
To all who knew her, she was THE ultimate cat lady. Strays would flock from miles away to her house for a meal and shelter. She also volunteered with Southwest Collie & Sheltie Rescue. In her lifetime, she was an ardent supporter of all animal rescues. In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial contributions made to Southwest Collie & Sheltie Rescue, 116 N. Pioneer St., Gilbert, AZ 85233 or Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah 84741-5000.
Marilyn is survived by her children, Julie (Steve) Simek of Gilbert, AZ; Douglas Ives Jr of Fremont, CA; and Jill Ives of Fremont, CA; granddaughter, Megan (Joey) Horvot of Pollock Pines, CA; sister, Carol Forney of Chicago, IL; and brother, John Forney (Barb Sager) of Stevensville, MI. She was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas Ives, parents John and Mary Forney, and grandson Daniel.
The family would like to extend a special Thank you to Eli, Larisa, and the staff at Sunshine Assisted Living, along with Jen at Anthem Hospice, for the extra care they showed Mom during her last few weeks.
Marilyn was born February 22, 1936, in St. Joseph, Michigan in a house on Market Street, to John and Mary Forney. She grew up on a farm and loved the country life! Marilyn graduated from St Joseph Catholic High School in 1954, and married the love of her life, Douglas J. Ives, on July 23, 1955, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. One of her greatest joys in life was being a military wife. While stationed in Germany with Doug and their children, they traveled all over Germany, but also visited Switzerland, Austria, France, Spain, Luxembourg, and especially Italy, where they visited the historical Colosseum in Rome and the Vatican. She was able to save some holy water from the Grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes, France. Marilyn loved to travel and as a family they also vacationed extensively across the United States.
After Doug passed away in 1978, Marilyn relocated to Arizona. Several years later she moved to San Diego, California to be close to her daughter. They all subsequently moved back to Arizona in 2005 where she spent the remainder of her years.
To all who knew her, she was THE ultimate cat lady. Strays would flock from miles away to her house for a meal and shelter. She also volunteered with Southwest Collie & Sheltie Rescue. In her lifetime, she was an ardent supporter of all animal rescues. In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial contributions made to Southwest Collie & Sheltie Rescue, 116 N. Pioneer St., Gilbert, AZ 85233 or Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah 84741-5000.
Marilyn is survived by her children, Julie (Steve) Simek of Gilbert, AZ; Douglas Ives Jr of Fremont, CA; and Jill Ives of Fremont, CA; granddaughter, Megan (Joey) Horvot of Pollock Pines, CA; sister, Carol Forney of Chicago, IL; and brother, John Forney (Barb Sager) of Stevensville, MI. She was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas Ives, parents John and Mary Forney, and grandson Daniel.
The family would like to extend a special Thank you to Eli, Larisa, and the staff at Sunshine Assisted Living, along with Jen at Anthem Hospice, for the extra care they showed Mom during her last few weeks.
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