Marilyn I. Walker, 83, of Columbia City, Ind., passed away at 5:55 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013, at her residence with her loving family surrounding her.

She was born on July 10, 1930, in Waveland, Ind., to Bazil Jackson and Venia (Bowles) Jackson-Deaton. She grew up in Whitley and Noble County areas before making her home in Whitley County.  Marilyn attended school in Whitley County, Ind., and Noble County, Ind.  On June 29, 1976, she married John E. Walker.

With 10 years of service, she retired from Zimmer in Warsaw, Ind., and after 12 years of service, she retired from Weatherhead, Columbia City. Marilyn was a faithful member of the New Life Bible Church.

She is survived by her husband of 37 years; daughters: Venia Geiger and Julia Fanson, both of Columbia City; Karen Gust, Fort Wayne, Ind.; step-children: Kenneth Walker, Pierceton, Ind.; Kathryn Matter, Milwaukee, Wis.; Karla Walker, Syracuse, Ind.; Kevin Walker, Warsaw; Kelly Snyder, Fort Wayne; one sister: Darlene Daugherty, Columbia City; 20 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter: Cinda Cox; son: Richard Farber; brothers: Oakley, James, Delmar and Robert Jackson; sisters: Ruth Geiger and Virginia Bumgardner; and four grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, at the funeral home with Pastors Curtiss Johnson and Zach McCue officiating. Burial will follow at South Whitley Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given in memory of Mrs. Walker to New Life Bible Church.