Obituary of Marilyn D. Fox

Marilyn D. Fox, 91, of Winamac, IN died at her husband’s home in Crawfordsville, IN on Saturday, August 5, 2023 as the result of a house explosion.  She was born on June 12, 1932 in Chicago, IL to the late Arnold A. and Ruth M. Johnson.  Marilyn graduated from Monterey High School.   Marilyn attended Purdue University and transferred to the University of Nevada Reno where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree.  She went on to earn a Master’s Degree from Ball State University and later completed some higher-education courses at Indiana University. 

Marilyn dedicated her life to teaching.  She taught at Kokomo and Haworth High Schools for over 35 years.  She was not only a teacher but also a coach, mentoring girls in numerous sports including tennis, synchronized swimming, and cheerleading.  During the summers, Marilyn served as the recreation director for the Disciples of Christ Christian Assembly at Crystal Lake in Frankfort, MI for 20 years. 

In addition to her successful career, Marilyn was an active member of various organizations.  She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma academic sorority and Indiana Retired Teachers Association.  Marilyn was a 50 year member of Psi Iota Xi philanthropic sorority in Kokomo and also was a founding member of the Winamac chapter.  She was a member of the Lion’s Club in Monterey, IN and the Mentone Flying Club in Rochester, IN as well as the Book Club and Garden Club in Winamac.  Marilyn was also a member of First Christian Church in Winamac.

While attending Purdue University, she married the late Jerome W. Friedrich of Kewanna, IN.  They were together 28 years and had three beloved children, Rochelle, Denise, and Steven.  On March 16, 1990, Marilyn married the late Lloyd Fox of Monterey.  Many great memories were made with the Fox family during their 19 year marriage.  Lloyd died on September 22, 2009 and is buried at St. Anne’s Cemetery in Monterey.  A few years after Lloyd’s death, Marilyn found companionship with the late Richard “Dick” Chastain (who just so happened to be the widower of her late Purdue roommate).  Marilyn and Dick were recently married in June of this year.  They enjoyed traveling together, especially visiting family.  They had a lovely life together.  While their death was sudden and tragic, we know they were led Home by angels. 

Marilyn leaves behind a loving legacy and will be deeply missed by her family and everyone who knew her.

She is survived by:

Rochelle Friedman, Appleton, WI Daughter

Denise Hughes, Middleville, MI Daughter

Steven Friedrich, Delafield, WI Son

Michael Friedman, Grandson

Stephanie Friedman, Granddaughter

Sunshine (Jason) Fowler-Howell, Granddaughter

Tabitha Fowler, Granddaughter

Logan Friedrich, Grandson

Alexandra Friedrich, Granddaughter

Owen Handley, Great Grandson

Emmett Handley, Great Grandson

Ethan Handley, Great Grandson

Numerous Extended Family Members

Preceded in death by:

Arnold A. and Ruth M. Johnson, Parents

Amy Johnson, Infant Sister

Liam Handley, Great Grandson

Memorial Services will be held at 2 PM EDT Saturday, August 19, 2023 at First Christian Church in Winamac with Pastor Stephen Sundquist officiating. 

Private Burial will take place at St. Anne’s Cemetery in Monterey.

Memorial Contributions may be made to First Christian Church.

Online Tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Cremation Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.