Marilyn Ruth Black, age 95 of Stanwood, Michigan, passed away January 20, 2026. She was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on September 22, 1930. Marilyn graduated from Central High School and attended Grand Rapids Junior College and the Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. She married Thomas Steele, whom she met in the ninth grade and was happily married for over 70 years until his death. Marilyn was a devoted mother and homemaker and worked as a Director of Christian Education at Park Congregational Church for 20 years. Her youth groups of junior and senior high school students came to call her “Mom”. Marilyn had four loves in her life: her husband, her family and friends, her Park Congregational Church family, and any stray animal that might come her way. She was fun, creative, nurturing, and full of life. She is survived by her three children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for the spring.
Condolences to the family can be left at the ReyersNorthValleyChapel.com website.
