Marilyn Scribner
June 9, 1930 - December 24, 2021
Wheaton, Illinois - Marilyn Scribner was born on June 9, 1930, in Bellingham (WA) to Lula and Edwin Scribner. She received her theology degree from Multnomah School of the Bible before getting her BS and MS in Physical Education from Western Washington University. After teaching at Burlington-Edison High School from 1956 to 1961, she left her beloved Pacific Northwest and moved to the Midwest, where she began her career at Wheaton College.
Marilyn taught there for fifty years, pioneering Wheaton's volleyball and softball programs, coaching basketball and field hockey, and teaching self-defense. For that class, which she taught for more than forty years, she wrote Free to Fight Back, a book that reflected the motto so many of her students still quote: "I am a child of the King and I will not be a victim."
Marilyn was best known for her witty "zingers," her commitment to family and friends, and her abiding love for her students and athletes. Teaching was truly her calling and her joy, and the devotions she led before every class remain legendary among those who were fortunate enough to call her "Scrib." Marilyn was an avid hobbyist whose passions included genealogy, antiquing, collecting Pepsi memorabilia, and refinishing furniture, especially hundred-year-old schoolhouse clocks.
Most of all, Marilyn loved Jesus. From the moment she was saved in her teens, He became the guiding beacon of her life, the meaning of her existence and the subject of conversations with anyone she met. Lyrics from her favorite hymn describe the faith that was such a source of wisdom and strength to Marilyn, even during her final days: He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength as our labors increase; to added afflictions He addeth His mercy, to multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
Marilyn is predeceased by her parents, Edwin Ray Scribner and Lula Margaret Meyers; as well as her sister, Lanice Lee Erickson; and nephew, Edwin Scott Erickson.
She is survived by her nieces; Patti (Erickson) Herlugson and Melinda (Erickson) Barnett; as well as, cousins; Yvonne Fenton, Ron Fenton, Marsha Fisher, Sandra Massey and Wanda Moore, all of whom reside in Washington State. Also surviving is her dear and devoted friend, Marcia Hurt, who walked alongside Marilyn for 43 years.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the wonderful caregivers at VITAS Hospice Services and the team of medical professionals who accompanied Marilyn with kindness, compassion and skill.
Marilyn's Memorial Service will be held at Wellspring Alliance Church (Wheaton, IL) at 1PM on January 8, 2022. Masks will be required. For those of you unable to attend, a livestream of the service will be available at hultgrenfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, please send gifts in honor of Marilyn to the Wheaton College Women's Volleyball Team, Wheaton College, 501 College Avenue, Wheaton, IL 60187.

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Published by & from Jan. 1 to Jan. 2, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Marilyn Scribner

8 Entries

The Hultgren Family and Staff

December 27, 2021

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Roger and Janet Burgess

January 6, 2022

Dear family of Marilyn,
We sorrow with you over the loss on this earth of Marilyn. She was one of Janet’s favorite teachers at Wheaton College (class of 1973). One special devotional had to do with asking God to help you develop patience. She said that if that is something you really want God to give you, be ready for some difficult trials, because that is the only way to learn patience with God’s help.
We also rejoice with you that she is with Jesus and you will someday be reunited for eternity! May you all know in abundance God’s peace, all-sufficient grace, and unfailing love in the days ahead! “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’ “ (Psalm 91:1-2).
In His great love,
Roger and Janet (Newlin) Burgess

Margie Flink

January 5, 2022

Marilyn inspired everyone she met and with such a sense of humor. You could never have enough time with her. She was an antique hunter and loved to restore her treasures. I treasure the. Schoolhouse clock i got from her. I am sure she is in heaven teaching self defense to those who missed her class. Her mother Lunie is now with her too! Such laughter watching Marilyn negotiating with her mom! Thank you Marcia for your love and devotion to this great woman! She is an inspiration to all women and has changed so many lives with hope.

Catherine Watts

January 4, 2022

Marilyn Scribner was a National Treasure. Wheaton College and all who knew her were incredibly blessed by her. As a serious non-athlete and having had a bad PE experience living on the southside of Chicago, field hockey was a nightmare! The New England girls knew how to play. For the rest of us it was a new game with shinguards that slipped down to our ankles. Sticks flew everywhere. I was so bruised and banged up after the first couple games I decided the safest thing to do was to lope up and down the sidelines and stay away from the ball. It was a great strategy, until Ms. Scribner came over one day and asked me why I was walking up and down the sidelines and staying away from the ball. I shared my strategy with her. She said that if I didn´t participate she would only be able to give me a C. I had been getting A´s on my written tests. She then asked if I would be willing to play one on one for four Saturdays with a PE major for an hour. She said if I did that and practiced the skills, she could give me an A. Kudos to Mary Beth Willson, my tutor. I then took every class I could with Ms. Scribner including self-defense. She took an interest in me, not because I was an athlete, but because I was a woman and she was always more concerned with who we were, than with what we could do athletically. We had value simply because of who we were. Her impact on my life has continued over the years. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She is now in the presence of the one she served so faithfully.

Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred McCleod

Planted Trees

Karen Gorton

December 29, 2021

She was an amazing teacher - always willing to learn and teach with students, colleagues and others. I always remember where to stand on the elevator due to her. Thank you. Holding you, Marcia, in my heart during this difficult time.

Mary Anne Reilly

December 28, 2021

Marilyn was a real prayer warrior. I know I was one of many prayed for daily. Thank you Marcia for being there for her. You too are a truly amazing women!!

Caroline Perry

December 28, 2021

Truly a Wheaton College treasure. Ms. Scribner will be greatly missed, but her legacy and teaching lives on in each of her students (including me). She made a tremendous impact on my life. I will never forget the day she "schooled" me and my roommate in badminton. The two of us vs Ms. Scrib and she killed us! It was very humbling for the two of us (PE majors/athletes/twenty somethings) to be beaten so badly by one 50 y/o woman! It was a lesson I will never forget. Along with those lessons, she was an incredible example of Christ's love. Thank you Ms. Scribner. Now, I rejoice as she is in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

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