Marilyn Shanks Klingaman

Marilyn Shanks Klingaman, 91, caring wife, mother and grandmother, died peacefully on May 24, 2024, in Carmel, Indiana. Marilyn was born in 1933 to Paul and Sylvia Shanks in Chicago Heights, Illinois. She spent her childhood there along with her brother, Charlie. She was a graduate of DePauw University and a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She met her husband, Tom, on a blind date in 1953 through mutual DePauw-Wabash friends; friendships that lasted throughout their life. They were married for 64 years until his death in 2018. After marriage and a stint at Eli Lilly, Marilyn spent much of her time chasing, driving and supporting her four children. She was a dedicated volunteer for her children’s various sports and activities, the Junior League of Indianapolis, the Children's Museum Guild and the US Clay Court Championships. For her beloved Kappa Alpha Theta, she was Chair of the headquarters building committee in 1982-83, and, after its dedication, served as Foundation Director until 1987. She loved to play golf, garden, travel, play tennis on the backyard court that Tom built, and sit on the deck with a cocktail to watch the sunset at their Michigan cottage. She and Tom gave their family the gift of many holiday weeks at the cottage filled with play and laughter. This made it possible for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren (living in three states and two other countries) to know their cousins, nieces and nephews, and enjoy time together. Marilyn is survived by her children, Tim, Beth O’Neil (Tom), Jane, and John, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Our thanks to the staff at The Barrington of Carmel and Paradigm Health for their kindness and care. Private service. Donations can be made to Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation