Marilyn J. Gilding

Marilyn Joan Gilding, a loving mother and grandmother, age 67, of Eaton Rapids, formerly of Charlotte, died peacefully on Sunday, April 18, 2021. Marilyn was born August 9, 1953 in Hastings, Mich., the daughter of John Edward and Norma Jean (Bidelman) Hickey. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1971 before going to work at General Aluminum in Charlotte, where she met the love of her life, Jerrold “Jerry” Gilding. The two married on April 15, 1977 and soon started their family. Marilyn lived a life devoted to her children and grandchildren. She was a constant volunteer at Weymouth Elementary, helping with field trips and class parties. In her spare time, she could be found watching soap operas and reality TV with a can of pop by her side.
Marilyn is survived by her children, Tara (Steven) Vanluven, Tasha McCrimmon, Trevor (Britnee) Gilding, Tia (Joel) Johnson; seven grandchildren, Jensen and Maddie McCrimmon, Kelsey and Jaxson Johnson, Caiden Gilding, Carter and Gracie Vanluven; sisters, Janice Wilson, Ann Winans, and Sue (Asa) Randall; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Jerrold Gilding in 2020; son-in-law, Christopher McCrimmon; brother-in-law, Bruce Wilson; and her parents.
The family received visitors on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte. A Rosary service was held at 7 p.m. on Thursday. The funeral mass was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 23, 2021 at the church with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. The funeral is available for live stream through Marilyn’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com, click on Marilyn’s tribute, click photos and videos from your computer, or media from your smart phone. Interment has taken place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, in Augusta, Mich. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Tia Johnson. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Marilyn on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.