Marilyn Shoup Obituary

Marilyn Carole Shoup, age 88 of Sturgis, Michigan, passed away early Wednesday morning July 23, 2025, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis.

She was born August 25, 1936, in Sturgis, Michigan, daughter of the late Donald Wright and C. LaVenia "Bing" (Crask) Stevens.

Marilyn was born into a tradition of unusually strong and independent women. Her grandmother, Anna Crask, fled unfortunate circumstances in the hills of Kentucky to eventually find her way to LaGrange, IN and then Sturgis, MI. Anna Crask and her daughter LaVenia, Marilyn's mother, owned and operated their own restaurant, first on Maple St. and then on North Nottawa St., in Sturgis. Marilyn, known as 'Sis' to her close friends and family, was a lifelong Sturgis resident. She graduated with the Sturgis High School class of 1954 and later attended Western Michigan University.

In October of 1972 she married Robert Shoup, a Navy veteran, at the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis. They enjoyed a committed and rewarding relationship that she treasured. She served as his primary caregiver when he developed cancer, preceding her in death in 1981.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Sturgis, Business & Professional Women's Club, Sturgis Historical Society, and Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW Auxiliary. Most of her working life was in sales and office work. She had been employed by Gullen Appliance, Sears and Arkwright Appliance stores in Sturgis. When she eventually retired, she had worked for years at Big John's Furniture, Electronics, and Appliances in LaGrange, IN.

She particularly enjoyed spending time with the friends she had formed over the years in the communities of Sturgis and LaGrange, and in particular, her closest friend, Kathy Nelson of LaGrange, IN.

Marilyn is survived by her sister, Kaye McCreedy of Bigfork, MT, brothers Charles Wright of Las Vegas, NV, and Robert Wright of Flagstaff, AZ. Her son Mark Palmer resides in Howe, IN and son Jason Palmer resides in White Pigeon. Her later years were spent at the Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis, MI, where, unfailingly, she received exceptional care with the assistance of Clark McCreedy, her nephew, and his wife Christine.

She was preceded in death by her mother C. LaVenia "Bing" Stevens, her father Donald Wright, brother Mort Wright, son Kent Palmer, and husband Robert Shoup.

In honoring Marilyn's wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial graveside service and burial of her remains will take place in the fall of this year at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis and will be led by family members.

The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial donations would be appreciated and should be directed to Thurston Woods Village, where numerous individuals might benefit from your act of kindness (https://www.thurstonwoods.org/donate).

We encourage family and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

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