Marilyn Fetters Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marilyn Louise Fetters, 93, of St. Joseph, died peacefully in hospice care at The Woodlands, John Knox Village, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on March 7, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Marilyn was born on July 5, 1932, in Oklahoma City, Okla., to Raymond and Lucile Holtman. She later grew up in Indianapolis, where she graduated with honors from Shortridge High School in 1950. She went on to earn her degree in art history, also with honors, from DePauw University in 1954.

After college, Marilyn worked as production manager at the Saas and Sogard Advertising Agency in Indianapolis.

She met John Fetters at a college reunion, and the two married in Indianapolis in 1956. They shared 62 happy years together. Marilyn and John loved traveling abroad, and they especially cherished their many trips to Venice, Italy. This city held a special place in their hearts, including their beloved Harry's Bar.

Over the decades, Marilyn devoted herself to volunteer work with Easter Seals, Memorial Hospital, and as an avid reader, she enjoyed volunteering at the libraries in both St. Joseph and Fort Lauderdale. She was also an accomplished knitter and needlepoint enthusiast, making items for family and knits for kids.

Marilyn was a proud member of the Alpha Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta and a life member of the Women's Service League. She enjoyed playing golf in the 9-hole league at Berrien Hills Country Club and was a member of the Point O'Woods Golf and Country Club.

She was a former member of First Congregational Church of Benton Harbor and later a member of First Congregational Church of St. Joseph.

Above all, Marilyn was deeply proud of her two sons and their families. She devoted herself to their happiness and fulfillment and felt richly rewarded by the love they shared.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Daniel Fetters.

She is survived by her two sons: Son, John David (Coleman) of Kennett Square, Pa.; their son, Jordan Gilchrist (Patrisha) of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and grandson, Jay. Son, Jeffery (Claire) of St. Joseph; their son, Zachary (Sita) of Ann Arbor and granddaughters Meena and Saanvi; and their son, Ryan (Brytanie) of Germantown, N.Y.

The family would like to express their gratitude to her caregivers, Talecia Jackson in Fort Lauderdale; Sue Sanders, Kathy Greco, and Sheila Lopresti, all of St. Joseph, and the staff at John Knox Village and Trustbridge Hospice Care for their exceptional care and support.

A celebration of life service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, with Pastor Jeffrey Hubers officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, March 13, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Marilyn's name may be made to the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library, 500 Market St., St. Joseph, MI 49085, the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan, 5400 S. Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI, 49085 or First Congregational Church-St. Joseph, 2001 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, MI 49085. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.