Marilyn Jean Hawkins

Marilyn Jean Hawkins, 95, died peacefully at Summit Square in Waynesboro, Va. On Friday July 16, 2021. She was born in West Lafayette, Indiana on June 2, 1926, to the late Simon and Mary (Klein) Armantrout. She graduated from Purdue University in 1946 at the age of 19. Marilyn married Ralph Donald Hawkins on August 10, 1946. The family moved to Waynesboro in 1955 when Ralph was transferred to the newly-opened General Electric plant. Marilyn attended Saint John Catholic Church in Waynesboro. In addition to being a loving mother to her four children, Marilyn touched many other young lives as a teacher at Wenonah Elementary School, and later as the longtime director of United Church Nursery (UNC) at Grace Lutheran Church. She retired from UNC after 26 years of service at the age of 75. Over the years, Marilyn was active in many organizations including Chi Omega Sorority, American Association of University Women (AAUW), Waynesboro Women’s Club, and Red Hats, to name a few. She enjoyed playing golf and was the last surviving charter member of the Waynesboro Country Club. Marilyn also enjoyed traveling the world, visiting her grandchildren, and playing bridge with her friends. Until the end, she was always joyful and positive. Her vibrant spirit will be forever missed. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Donald Hawkins on July 17, 1978. Survivors include her four children, Linda Campbell (Ron) of The Villages, Fl, John Hawkins (Mary) of Charlottesville, Cindy Castiglioni (Steve) of Virginia Beach, and Rick Hawkins (Debbie) of Waynesboro; 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at Riverview Cemetery, 420 Rosser Avenue, Waynesboro, Virginia with Pastor Merle Fisher officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, July 23, 2021 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes, 618 W. Main St. Waynesboro, Virginia. Many thanks to the staff of Summit Square for their loving care of Marilyn during her time there. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Summit Square Employee Christmas Fund, 501 Oak Ave., Waynesboro, Virginia 22980. (Make check payable to Summit Square designated for the Employee Christmas Fund.) Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com