Marilyn L. Cox

Marilyn L. Cox, 83, Rockford, passed away in her home on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. She was born the tenth of twelve children in Sharon, WI on January 1, 1930; the daughter of James and Hazel (Spiers) Smith. Marilyn married Clarence E. Cox on August 18, 1951 in Beloit WI. They were married for 52 years until Clarence preceded her in death in 2003. In her early years, she worked for Yates American and then spent 43 years working as a cafeteria manager for Rockford Public Schools. Marilyn was the longest tenured staff member for the School District; she often substituted at several different schools until the age of 78. She was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church and Christ United Methodist Women's Group. She was a founding member of Christ United Methodist Church preschool which is now one of the largest in Rockford. She also volunteered at Presence St. Anne Center every Monday taking patients to Mass. Marilyn loved her family; she was always full of joy and energy. She especially looked forward to Sundays at church and returning home to be with family for dinner. She enjoyed playing bridge, gardening and cooking. Marilyn will be missed by her family and her lifetime friends and neighbors.
Marilyn is survived by her children, Lynne (Steve) Collins of Rockford and Steven Cox of Racine, WI; sister, Eleanor Hardt; grandchildren, Christine (Paul) Draheim, William (Chelsea) Collins III, Jennifer Cox, David Cox and Andrew Cox; great-grandchildren, Maddex Draheim, Myla Draheim, Emilia Cox and William Collins IV. Predeceased by her parents; brothers, Ray Smith, Ed Smith, James Smith, and Ruelle Smith; sisters, Lois Bonsall, Margaret Johnson, Della Schutt, Ann Johnson, Lucelle Johnson and Shirley Smith.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Rd. with Reverend Jane Eesley officiating. Burial in Highland Garden of Memories in Belvidere. Visitation will be from 5:00 ' 8:00 pm on Monday, August 5, 2013 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Visitation will also be held on Tuesday from 10:00 until the time of service at Church. To