I just found out about Marilyn's passing.  I am truly sorry to hear this. Marilyn was my College roommate at Western Michigan University . We had many good times together and many laughs. I will miss her terribly. We used to talk on the phone until she couldn't. My daughters took me to visit her a couple times. Of course, we had to visit the Cracker Barrell.  We always kept in touch over the years. Rest in Peace my sweet friend. I know you are with Jesus!!

I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. She was my teacher at Okemos High School. She was always smiling and full of energy. Bless her family. 🙏

Marilyn Bowker was a great friend to the Christy family for 65 years.  We felt lucky to know her. She had a heart of gold, and it was filled with love. RIP Marilyn, ❤️

Breakfast of Champions...Marilyn loves her McDonald's Coffee and sandwich! Thank you for all the beautiful memories.

Joyce and Renee

My thoughts and prayers go out to Marilyn’s family at this most difficult time.  As a former student, she  was beyond a doubt the one person outside of my parents that influenced my career to most.  Her guidance through the cooperative education program, placed me in a position to make a final career choice by the time I finished high school.  I think of her frequently and am thankful for her guidance and that I had a good career and was able to retire early at age 57.  Rest in peace Mrs. Bowker.

It's a joy to remember that smile that shines from every  picture of Marilyn! She was the epitome of school spirit. I remember her asking me to help her track down the original Chieftain song, which she thought might be buried in the OHS music library. And we found it, too!

Mrs. Bowker was a wonderful lady.  She taught typing, etc. and was the Okemos High School cheerleading coach, and she had lots of fun with her cheerleaders, who loved her for decades.

I am a Wheelchair User With Cerebral Palsy.  My first period 11th grade Accounting course in 1980-1981 was next door to her classroom, and since my dad took me to school, the three of us often chatted before the bell rang to start the day.  Any other time I saw her in the hallway, she would always check on me, or give me a hug.

May this beautiful soul Rest In Peace.  Condolences and prayers for the family.

My mentor and friend. So many memories of judging with Marilyn. Don and Marilyn’s home was always open for cheer meetings or staying over night.  When ever we would have a phone conversation Marilyn would say tell Kevin I said Hi!
We traveled to Florida to judge Nationals, National Federation Meetings in Kansas City, state finals in Indiana, Virginia and Michigan.
Rest in peace Marilyn
Candy Cox

I will miss my dear cousin always. She and Don opened their hearts and home to me while I was a student at MSU and then to my husband Mike when he entered my life. Mike was accepted into the family with open arms and we all remained close ever after. When I think of Don and Marilyn I think of laughter because that’s what we did together. 
When I first met Marilyn, it was at my folks lake house. Don brought his new girlfriend to meet the family. Here was this beautiful girl with a pixie haircut  in  a pink dress and pink high heels with a huge smile. I have loved her ever since that moment.
Pam,  my condolences to you & Shannon. You are a huge part of my memories also. 
You mom meant so much to me. ❤️
Janet Crosby Crooch

From the days of you running across the typing tables in clogs, to the nights of cheer practice and games…the memories will be often celebrated and not forgotten! ‘Moochie Scootchie!’

From seeing you at cheer meets judging, to stopping by the house when I was home for the holidays and our little moments you always made time to catch up or send a note.

From the times of visiting family at Sparrow and you always brightening the visit with a smile and hug…

The memories will be celebrated for years to come and appreciated to know you were an amazing mentor and friend to all!

Rest easy!

We are very sorry to learn of Marilyn’s passing.  We offer our sincere condolences to Pam and family.  How fortunate we were to meet  Marilyn and Don during our early years wintering in FT Myers.  We had great times together.

Marilyn, thank you! Although I didn’t know you as well as some I saw enough to know you were genuine, caring, loving and had your friends ‘back”…always. Your friends could count on you! I mentioned a few of the characteristics that defined you…literally just a few, I could fill the page.  You were loved by so many, and I wont list the “groups”, but you touched so many. I am just blessed that I was one of them, May God Bless you and your family and thank you for being a loving friend of my wife Patti. Rest well you deserve it, Peace and Love, Steve Jaksa

I am so sorry for your family's loss. She was such a special teacher to me, and I will always be grateful for all she did in my life. She was always their for her students with encouragement and guidance.  

Sending prayers for your

Marilyn was one of the first teachers I met when I started working at Okemos High School in 1970.   She was always smiling and full of energy.  She made a difference in many lives and will be missed.

I met Marilyn when I was a new young. Cheerleading coach in Fowler, in the late 70’s, early 80’s!  She invited my team and myself to practice with her girls!  It was a fabulous experience for all of us.  Marilyn was a tremendous help to me with coaching, and we went on to take 2nd place in the state that year.   As time went on I always looked forward to seeing her at cheer competitions, and pleased that she recognized and remembered me.  Marilyn was a wonderful person, and will always have a special place in my heart!

Had to share a funny story about Marilyn. We were at an MCJA conference and Marilyn was busy getting all of the classrooms ready for everybody coming in for training. I was walking down the hallway, and happened  to hear this tiny voice saying help, , help,  I walked into the classroom and lo and behold there was Marilyn with an entire TV sitting on her chest. She was messing around with the wiring making sure the videos would work properly (yes videos.) when something dislodged and the TV ended up on top of Maryland, although it was tragic, it was pretty  funny. 
She was fine. 
Gotta love Marilyn. 🎉

I was a young enthusiastic new coach with big dreams. When I took my team to camp, they did extremely well. I was so pleased. Also very sad knowing we couldn’t afford to go to nationals. I had spoken with Marilyn about it and she, of course, reached out a hand and said don’t worry, Sheila you  and your team can stay at my house. Which we did. It was amazing and wonderful and I will never forget it. Her hospitality was shared by so memory who loved and appreciated her. 
I’m sure you getting all of those cheerleaders in line up there and teaching them the correct response to GO GREEN💚
I love you Marilyn.
😘Sheila.

Oh Marilyn...what great Memories always ❤
From You & Mom attending Western...later reconnecting thru your clever Cheer gift orders from her...visits back & forth...touching our Daughter so thru Cheer...her Coaching too...and always so full of fun...I'll never forget you doing cartwheels in Moms yard( in your 60's).. just because you could!  😉
Much Love to You & Don....
Heaven needed you to be together again ❤ 🙏

Met Marilyn through Evelyn Heauter family, she was a light of the party.  Loved to play cards and dance at Katie’s wedding.  Loved hearing about all the memories of her best friend, we visited her at her house and she loved showing g her flowers off and talking about pool parties and her love for all the cheerleading girls, she also talked about the neighbor girls that she was very close too, she always was grateful and never forget her smile.  One time we went to a garage sale and she bought the funniest little man that when you pushed both buttons In he would do a flip we played with that and laughed all day.  Evelyn’s always lit up when she saw Marilyn!!! Oh and how could I forget everytime we were on the road traveling, it was a must to stop and get a HAPPY MEAL!!! Her absolute FAVORTIE ;) RIP Marilyn love you 😘

I was blessed to have Marilyn as a friend and mentor beginning in 1985.  She was an inspiration and role model.  I’ll always be grateful to have known her!  ❤️🎉

Marilyn was a very special person, always smiling, kind and a friend to all. I will always remember how much I learned from her as a new Cheer judge during my first MCJA training sessions (learning "blips" and "ticks"). Marilyn was sweet & encouraging, but also made sure we understood how important it was to be fair, honest and consistent. She was truly an extraordinary person who will be dearly missed by so many. 💝

Marilyn was always active on our faculty.
She was energetic and always seemed to be running to the next .
Marilyn will be missed!

So sorry for your loss. Many fond memories of swimming in your backyard pool, and the cheerleaders practicing in the backyard. C. Ambs

Mrs. Bowker was both my typing teacher and cheer coach at Lansing Catholic, and I will always cherish the memories of her teaching us on typewriters with such patience and encouragement. Years later, I had the privilege of working alongside her for many years through MCJA/MHSAA. She was a kind, generous, and uplifting presence who brought out the best in others. I am grateful for the impact she had on my life, and I know she touched so many others in the same way. She will be deeply missed, and my heartfelt prayers are with her family.

Marilyn was such a shining light for all of us in the cheerleading world and beyond. I will never forget dancing with Marilyn at MCCA State Finals! Every time she was on a judging panel with our team, we always reminded our team that she would be tough, but that no one in the gym wanted them to succeed more than Marilyn! God speed my friend! I hope you and Don enjoy a few dances together in heaven!

Marilyn was part of a November tradition for over 15 years as a beloved Panel Judge for The Downriver Junior Football League. The yearly 2 weekend event had Carol, Jann, Marty, Marilyn and Pat sharing time together. Their shared love and knowledge of the sport of cheerleading was utilized but it was their friendship that built the foundation.  She will be missed and her memory will be honored for her years of service to the Cheerleaders, Coaches and Board Members in the league. Cheers Marilyn!

Marilyn brought her infectious smile and personality into daily life.  She shared joy wherever she went and with whomever she encountered. I already miss her. Rest in peace my friend and give Don a hug!

You were my very best friend. Rest in peace. You were a one of a kind person and all who knew you were blessed. Here’s to a life well lived. I miss my friend💔

Mrs B loved our Cheers Dinners. We started them in 2017. It was a treat to have a special night out. .We got to do our last dinner with her on July 18. She showed us what it was like to age gracefully and not lose your sense of humor. Thank you for the wonderful memories and all the life lessons. We love you very much📣

I am so sorry for your loss. I met Marilyn when I worked at Lansing Catholic Central. I will never forget her enthusiasm for everything. The energy she brought to every endeavor was amazing to me.

I haven’t seen her for years. The last time was when I played Bridge at her house so that was many years ago, but I still remember her clearly as she was one of a kind.

Marilyn was called upon for many years to give the prayer at the Sparrow Hospital Service Auxiliary Annual meeting. She was also a buyer for the Gift Shop in the Baby Department for years. She was very friendly to everyone in my experience as a volunteer in the Gift Shop.

My condolences to Marilyn’s family.

Sue Boutni, Volunteer since 2012

I will always remember the fun she had being in our end of the school year skits.

OBITUARY

Marilyn Marcheta Bowker

January 14, 1933 – August 31, 2025

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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