TRAVERSE CITY — Marilyn Juanita Schultz, 87, of Traverse City and formerly of Lapeer, passed away on Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, at Willow Cottage.Marilyn was born on April 14, 1924, to the late Harvey and Marie (Bowins) Ahrens in Manchester, Mich. On March 16, 1957, in Wayne, Marilyn entered into marriage with Kenneth W. Schultz. Marilyn is now in her heavenly home reunited with her loving husband, whom preceded her in death on July 23, 2010.Marilyn earned her Bachelor of Science in home economics from Michigan State College in 1946. One of her first jobs after college was as a social worker in Detroit. When she moved to Lapeer, Marilyn was employed with Detroit Edison as a home service adviser in the 1950s.In Lapeer, Marilyn met the love of her life, Ken. Marilyn put her home economics skills to good use, putting up the ample produce Ken's planting of their garden provided, and sewing dresses for her daughter on her sewing machine. Dinner was never complete without one of Marilyn's pies. They enjoyed polka dancing and traveling with Marilyn's sister Virginia and brother-in-law Bob.Marilyn was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, participating with the Altar Guild and playing the hand bells. When they retired, Marilyn could often be found spending the winters taking in the Arizona sun and spending wonderful time with her sister, Virginia. In 1999, Ken and Marilyn moved to Traverse City to be closer to their children and grandchildren.Marilyn is survived by her loving family, her daughter, Sherrie (Danny) Bjoraker, of Traverse City; her son, Kenneth (Jeanne) Schultz, of Grand Rapids; four grandchildren; her sister, Virginia Medlyn, of Wayne; a sister-in-law, Carole (Dr. Charles) Renshaw; and many other loving family members and friends.Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brother-in-law Bob. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Willow Cottage for their exceptional care of Marilyn, especially during her final days.Her funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Trinity Lutheran Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Robert Zagore will officiate.Memorial contributions may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer's Association-Northwest Michigan Chapter.Please share thought's with the family at Marilyn's online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.