Marilyn Bowers

Marilyn Sue Bowers, age 82, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, at her home in Muncie after a battle with cancer. She was a longtime resident of Portland and retired to Muncie to be closer to family. 

Sue was born in Portland on June 16, 1941, the daughter of Gordon and Cleo (Elick) Darby. Sue attended Portland High School and worked as secretary of Jay County Hospital and Citizens Bank and First Merchants Bank in Portland.

She was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Portland and Fountain Square Church in Muncie. Sue enjoyed cooking, baking, reading, ball games, playing cards and spending time with family and friends. She was a member of Friends of the Limberlost, Jay County Historical Society and Portland Cincinnatus League. 

Sue married Jacob Bowers on Sept. 1, 1979, and he passed away on Sept. 12, 2007. She later married Dale Robbins. 

Survivors include:

Her husband — Dale Robbins

Her children — Kim VanSkyock (Cathy), Lonna VanSkyock, Monna VanSkyock (Sheila), Becky Wellman (Rick), Terry Bowers (Lisa), Becky Smith (David), Julie Kates (Bill), Mark Robbins (Jennifer) and Jennifer Hughes (Jim)

Twenty-one grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, several cousins and an aunt

Visitation will be held on Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland. Services to celebrate Sue’s life will follow at 2 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Pastor Steve Graves will officiate and burial will follow at Green Park Cemetery in Portland. 

Memorials may be directed to Asbury United Methodist Church in Portland or Fountain Square Church in Muncie. 

Condolences may be sent to williamsonspencer.com.