Marilyn S. Rees

Marilyn Sue (Findlay) Rees was born April 10, 1947 and departed this world on November 20, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Margaret (aka Margo) Findlay; husband, David; and her first grandson, Zachary Ryan.
Marilyn grew up in Speedway, Indiana, with her parents and her best friend, her sister, Peggy (Findlay) Broda. Marilyn would be the first to tell you she was a chubby child. She was very self-deprecating and would often tell the tale of how her leotard for her dance class had to be specially made. But also how her dad, Ed, would look at her with his sparkling eyes and say so sweetly "you look beautiful, honey." She was the classic tale of the ugly duckling who grew into the Prom Queen. And Homecoming Queen. And Class President. The City Girl who stole the heart of the Country Boy. Everyone who knew her, loved her. You simply could not resist the beauty and charm that was Marilyn Sue.
Marilyn married the love of her life (that Country Boy), David Scott Rees, on April 24, 1976. They were married for 35 years until David lost his battle with cancer in 2011. Together, Marilyn and David raised 3 children: Todd (Rachel), Jennifer (Troy), and Joshua (Kara) who would bless them with five grandchildren: Morgan Paige, Cheaney Marie, Jolie Lynn, Waylon James and Willow Jean. Sadly, David missed out on life with the twins - something we all regret. Together, the Rees family enjoyed big dinners, barbeques, setting off fireworks and all other kinds of life-in-the-country shenanigans. Life was exactly as they all pictured. Then cancer came and took David -- and Alzheimer's immediately crept in and started slowly stealing Marilyn.
Marilyn spent her working career as a legal secretary - spending many years with Landman & Beatty and then finishing her career with Faegre Baker & Daniels. And in her "free" time - you know, the time when she wasn't being a Mom and a Wife and a Daughter and a Sister and a Friend - she was an aerobics instructor, an avid crafter, an excellent cook and an amazing baker. She loved to shop and could always find the best deals. She and David bought a pontoon boat and for many years, every weekend was spent on Geist Reservoir, with kids and dogs, floating on rafts and grilling hot dogs on the back of the boat. In 2002, they built a new home in Greenfield - a ranch home sitting on 7 acres with its own pond. This was their dream - a home designed exactly as they wanted, with a special room filled with toys for the grandkids, a walkout basement, a pond to fish in and a beautiful Willow tree that the grand girls called 'the Jungle." The family spent much time together, celebrating birthdays and holidays, and just enjoying making memories.
Marilyn was beautiful and classy and strong and sassy. She loved her lipstick and her high heels and her animal print clothing. But most of all she just loved. And she loved so well. She made everyone around her feel special and seen. And by example, she taught her family and friends some very important life lessons:
Your children come first. Marilyn was a fierce protector of her children, and then her grandchildren. Her love was strong and unconditional. And when faced with a choice between her children or anything else - she always, ALWAYS chose her children.
Family takes care of family. The word "no" simply wasn't a part of her vocabulary. No sacrifice was too great; if someone was sick, in need, or just sad - Marilyn was there. She would always show up - casserole or gift in hand - and be ready to lend her strength and love and her humor to try and turn the situation around.
Laugh; don't cry. Marilyn always said she was an ugly cryer. So she decided early on that when life threw something at her, she was gonna laugh instead of crying. And she did. This was a lesson that served the family very well. The Rees children grew up armed with the skills to find joy and laughter in even the hardest of circumstances.
And lastly: Pull on your Big Girl Pants and Deal with It. Marilyn never asked "why me" and she never wallowed in self pity. Instead, she faced each situation with determination and resolve to overcome. She never let obstacles stop her. Her Alzheimer's diagnosis was her greatest fear - her father had it and she knew exactly what the journey would entail. And when the diagnosis was officially confirmed, she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then opened her eyes again and said "Okay. Okay, this will be okay." And it was. Because even as ugly and horrible as Alzheimer's is - it never broke the true beauty that was Marilyn. To the very end, Marilyn was surrounded by love and light, and yes, even laughter. Because that's what she was and we would give her nothing less in return.
To say friends and family will miss Marilyn is a great understatement. She is woven into the fabric of our everyday life. We will miss her but we will keep her in our heart and we will carry on her traditions and we will teach our future generations all of her lessons. They say it only hurts this bad, because it was THAT good - and with Marilyn, that is undeniably true. She was the best. Always. And we are forever grateful that she was ours.
The family will have a private celebration for Marilyn and then scatter her ashes with David's, per her wishes. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Humane Society of Hamilton County in Marilyn's name. Marilyn loved her dogs and her cats, and she would love the thought that her journey and passing would lead to stray or surrendered animals being saved and finding their new furever homes.
The family would like to thank the staff at Carmel Health & Living for the exemplary care they provided to Marilyn during her final months. A special shout out to Aniece, Marilyn's favorite aide. Aniece made sure Marilyn was always stylish - from head to toe - and that she ate her meals and had something fun to watch on TV. She applied an amazing attention to detail on all of her patients - it was a blessing to watch her in action. Aniece - the work you do matters and your actions are seen, felt and appreciated by all.
We would also like to recognize the Care Hospice Team for being "extra eyes" on Marilyn, checking in on her routinely to ensure she was safe and healthy and happy. Jessica - we would not have survived those final days without you. The work you do has such an impact, thank you.
And finally, thank you to all who followed along on Marilyn's journey, sending love and prayers. It was never the journey we wanted to be on - but it was absolutely worth taking every single step.
Love you, Momma. Always.
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