Marilyn M. Jones

Marilyn M. Jones, age 65, passed from this life peacefully in her home during the early morning hours of Tuesday, April 16, 2024, surrounded by loving family members.

A selfless, yet private soul, Marilyn chose not to burden others with knowledge of her condition, she has left many unaware of her 16 month courageous battle against the torment of terminal cancer. Awed by her spirit and tenacity, physicians and other skilled caregivers at various Northwestern University Medical facilities will forever be held in the highest esteem by her surviving spouse, family and friends.

She was born on Oct. 5, 1958, in Michigan City, Indiana, to the late Gerald Jones and Dolores Starr Jones-Christoph.

On Dec. 27, 1995, in Clark County, Nevada, Marilyn was wedded to Atley Price after their exclusive commitment to each other for the preceding 10 years.

Along with Atley, she is survived by her brother, Jack (Susan) Jones, and niece, Jennifer Jones, all of Maryland Heights, Missouri; niece, Julienne Jones of Chatham, Illinois; and nephew, Lt. Jonathon Jones of Corpus Christi, Texas; as well as a panoply of maternal uncles, aunts and cousins residing in the Paw Paw, Michigan, environs.

In addition to her parents, Marilyn's passing was anteceded by brothers, John Casey Jones and Joseph Gerald Jones; half-brothers, Gerald Casey Jones and Robert Christoph Jr.; as well a half sister, Joy Mae Jones-Williams.

In accordance with Marilyn's wishes, a private inurnment of her cremains will ensue in the near future in the family plot situated at Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo, Michigan, with final arrangements being executed by Ott Haverstock Funeral Chapel. A celebration of Marilyn's life and essence will be announced in the upcoming late spring.

A 1976 graduate of New Buffalo High School, Marilyn further earned a degree from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, in 1979.

Immediately thereafter, she became the official verbatim court reporter in La Porte Superior Court No. 4 until 1983 when she assumed the role of official court reporter for La Porte Superior Court No. 2 for the next 11 years. During those 15 years she served under presiding judges Keppen, Harner and King.

In 1995 she left government employment to form the firm of Marilyn M. Jones and Associates, Ltd. Court Reporters and Videographers, which she ran until just days prior to her passing.

During her 45 year career, she further earned an associate degree as a paralegal from Indiana University South Bend, achieved licensed certification as a CSR and RPR court reporter as well as recognition as a professional videographer.

In addition to membership in various national and multiple state court reporting associations, Marilyn was elected and served three terms as president of the Indiana Court Reporters Association.

Early in her career, Marilyn became one of the first court reporters in northern Indiana to pioneer the use of and become certified in CAT (computer aided transcription). As a result, she was repeatedly called upon to report and transcribe complicated state and federal trials such as capital murder cases, which required real time reporting and daily copy transcription. A sampling of her regular clients included the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Chemical Safety Board, various U.S. Congressional field hearings, as well as numerous municipalities and corporations in Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan.

In addition, Marilyn placed under oath and reported testimony by numerous noted individuals, such as Donald Trump, Muhammed Ali, congressmen and famous performing artists.

The service she was most humbled by, and proud to often offer, was the pro bono stenography and transcription service for aging military veterans from both World Wars. Her work product will forever memorialize the sacrifice and contributions of those patriots for a multitude of family members and veteran organizations.

In her spare time, Marilyn was an accomplished photographer, jewelry designer and artist/crafter in multiple mediums. She was an ardent line dancer throughout the '80s and '90s. She relished the opportunity to transform, by elaborate costume and make-up, into the Purple Good Witch every Halloween for the Washington Park Zoo's Trick or Treat festivities. By spousal osmosis she became an avid Purdue football and basketball fanatic, including chauffeuring Coach Gene Keady whenever he came to town.

She and Atley travelled extensively, achieving notoriety as having journeyed on every Amtrak route in the country at least once.

For over 25 years, Marilyn and Atley together most enjoyed being Santa and Mrs. Claus for thousands of children in Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan – most notably, for at least 10 years, always making appearances in Michigan City's Christmas Parade followed by welcoming all believers to the downtown Santa House in the weeks preceding Christmas.

In addition to her husband and immediate family, Marilyn also leaves an unfathomable void in the hearts of special friends Becky Lempa and William Richey, as well as faithful feline companions Jonesy and Gracie.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make any desired donations in Marilyn's honor to either the La Porte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 West State Road 2, La Porte, IN 46350, or the Michigan City Zoological Society, P.O. Box 315, Michigan City, IN 46360.

To sign a guestbook and leave condolences online visit our website at www. otthaverstock.com.