Marilyn Garrison has passed away. She was 82 -- and to those who knew her, a stunning force of nature.

Born in the family farmhouse in the fall of 1934, the love of her family's legacy -- the black, rich farm acreage of Vermilion County, Ill. -- was her passion throughout life, especially in her later years.

She was married for 60 years to her surviving husband, Ed. Two sons, David and Doug, their wives and two grandchildren also survive. She was pre-deceased by her parents Glenn and Gladys Illk and her sister, Elaine Long.

Marilyn was an adventurous soul. The stories of her travels as a teenager to Florida and the West Coast thrilled all who heard them. She was also a wonderful wife, mother and provider. She was proud of her work as an Executive Secretary at Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis, yet she never failed to create a thriving, supportive atmosphere at home.

The friendships she enjoyed in childhood, and later, in Indianapolis were cherished, and continued with new friends in Sebring, Florida, after she and her husband retired there.

She had a special place in her heart for all things nice, a 4 o'clock martini, bridge night, golf, her friends, her family and making all those around her feel welcome. She was special in so many ways. And will be so dearly missed.

There will be a celebration of her life at Sebring Country Club Clubhouse on Nov. 5 at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, it was one of her last wishes that a donation in her name be made to Three Hearts Foundation, an organization dedicated to bringing hope to Bombardopolis, one of the Haitian Provinces severely affected by Hurricane Matthew. Mail your check c/o Doug Garrison, 61 Mt. Vernon Ln, Palm Coast, FL 32164.