Marilyn Lou Bridge Brown, 81, of rural Attica in southern Tippecanoe County, passed away in her home at 4:12 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. Marilyn was born Jan. 9, 1943, at Crawfordsville, to the late William L. and E. Maxine Kunkel Bridge. She married Lonnie Cole Brown on Aug. 24, 1968, at Lafayette. He preceded her in death.
Marilyn grew up on Franklin Street in New Richmond and graduated in 1961 as Valedictorian from Coal Creek Central High School. She attended Ball State University for two years then transferred to Purdue University and graduated in 1966.
Following her marriage she spent several years on the west coast while Lonnie was serving with the U.S. Navy. They later moved to Mena, Arkansas, Lonnie’s hometown, and built a log cabin on 40 acres in Ouachita National Forest. She had been employed as a development officer at the San Diego Museum of Art and the University of Southern California.
She was an avid genealogist as were her father and brother. She served as editor of the Polk County (AR) genealogy society’s “Quarterly.” The “Harrington Newsletter” and the Fletcher Family “Research Bulletin.” She published with her family’s assistance, “Descendants of John Townsend Bridge” as well as “Kunkel, Fowler, Vail and Fletcher Genealogy and Family History.” She co-authored with her sister Carolyn, “According to the Record” which were articles from the New Richmond Record Newspaper 1903-1904.
She is survived by her twin sister Carolyn Bridge of rural Attica; brother Mike (Jan) Bridge of Crawfordsville; nephew Tyler DeBusk of rural Attica; and nieces, Anita Myer of Washington state and Michele (Charlie) Burton of Linden.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lonnie; and nephew Dylan Landon Bridge.
Visitation hours are Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate, noon until service time at 1 p.m. Green burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Crawfordsville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County. Marilyn and her husband were dog lovers and Marilyn would be delighted to know “Junie” the funeral home comfort dog will be in attendance at her funeral.
In honor of Marilyn please remember to vote this year.
To sign the guest book or share a memory, visit us at www.familyandfriendsfh.com.
