Marilyn Rose Brown, age 93 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 surrounded by her family at Community Hospital in Anderson following a brief illness, but a long well-lived life.  She was born February 7, 1925 in Elwood, the daughter of Dale and Gloie Mae (Etchison) Flora.  Marilyn was a 1943 graduate of Frankton High School, and later attended Indiana University for one year.  She married the love of her life, Robert C. Brown, in 1946, and they spent 48 years of marriage together until his passing in 1994.  She was a lifelong member of the Aroma United Methodist Church and one of the oldest living members of the church.  Marilyn worked for Switzer Corporation in Elwood as a secretary in the sales department for many years.  She was a devoted member of the Delta Theta Tau Sorority, Elwood Fifty-Plus Club, and recently the Tipton Home Economics Club.  She was active at the Elwood Elks Lodge for many years and enjoyed functions there with her friends.  Robert and Marilyn previously enjoyed traveling, and they especially loved spending winters in Lake Wales, Florida for many years.  She was a great baker, and was known for making wedding cakes and catering.  Marilyn was also an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed sewing for many people through the years.  Later in her life, Marilyn enjoyed painting and photography very much.  More than anything, Marilyn loved spending time with her family, her sorority friends, and her church family.

Marilyn's family includes sister, Frances Sigler of Bradenton, Florida; 3 grandchildren, Mark (wife Starr) Surber of Elwood, Michael Surber of Elwood, and Ashley Lane of Marion; nieces and nephews, Mark Sigler of Frankton, Anita Hobbs of Frankton, Ron Sigler of Texas, Tom Sigler of Florida, and Barbara Sigler of Florida; 4 great-grandchildren, Hannah Surber, Emma Surber, Lilly Surber, and Garret Surber; and special great-nephew and caretaker of her farm, Bill Deutch.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert C. Brown in 1994; daughter, Kathy Lane; cousins, Anita Woodsides and Mary Margaret House; and very special friend, Jane Morehead.

A funeral service celebrating Marilyn's life will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Charlie Hoover of the Aroma United Methodist Church officiating.  The funeral will begin with a Delta Theta Tau Memorial.  Burial will follow the funeral at Aroma Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Thursday prior to the funeral at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions are suggested to the Aroma United Methodist Church through the funeral home.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.