Joanne Marriott

Joanne Marriott of Eaton Rapids, passed away at the age of 83 on April 25, 2022. Joanne was born in Pittsburgh, PA, January 17, 1939, the daughter of William and Romaine (Kinsey) Dean. She was, as many will attest, truly a one of a kind individual. An Eaton Rapids Greyhound through and through, Joanne spent a significant amount of her life in service to Eaton Rapids Public Schools, where for over fifteen years she supported and touched the lives of numerous students and staff as a member of the high school athletics department. Following her retirement, her dedication to the athletics program continued when she entered into a long-term volunteer role taking admissions for sporting games. It was in this capacity that many people came to know and adore Joanne, as she greeted all with a big smile, oftentimes a warm hug, and if you were lucky – she might have even waved you into the game for free.
Joanne’s impact in the community extended well beyond the school systems, where over the course of her years she became involved with several community groups. Generous to a fault, Joanne never hesitated to lend a helping hand wherever and whenever needed. The local Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center, nearby hospice thrift store, Heart and Hands food pantry, and Eaton Rapids Area Historical Society are just a few of the places that were blessed by her time, contributions, and beautiful spirit.
Joanne loved engaging in a good game. From euchre to Yahtzee, Rummikub to dominoes—you name it, and she was up for the challenge. She enjoyed watching the birds outside her window, hoping especially to catch a glimpse of a cardinal or hummingbird flutter past. In her more recent years, Joanne liked to go out for a drive. While she might have started off without a specific destination in mind, it was to no surprise when she ended up making a few stops along the way, whether to purchase some scratch-off lottery tickets, pick up freshly baked cookies from a nearby Amish community, or snag a trinket from a yard or garage sale.
Above all, nothing made Joanne happier than a visit or phone call with family members. Without fail, it was next to impossible to leave her house empty-handed, as she always had some kind of treat or gift to bestow. Her biggest gift of all, though, was the way in which she fiercely cared for her loved ones.
Simply put, to have known Joanne Marriott was to have loved her. Undoubtedly, she has left this small corner of the world a better place than when she had found it. Joanne will be deeply missed, but there is a comfort in knowing that the impact of her many joyful, generous, and well-lived years will be felt for a long time to come.
Joanne is survived by her sons, Jeff (Sean) Marriott, Todd (Patti) Marriott; daughters, Julie (Patrick) Marriott Carey, Donna Marriott; grandchildren, Michael Carey, Matthew (Amanda) and Meghan Marriott, Valery Voelker; great grandchildren, Joanna, Ruthie and Evalyn Marriott; Trenton and Austin Halsey; brother, William (Pat) Dean; special friend and partner, Dave Kaiser. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald Marriott; and step-father, William “Grunt” Montgomery.
Memorial services will be 12 p.m. May 21, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main St. Eaton Rapids with visitation one hour prior to the service. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the VFW National Home for Children or the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center. Also, plans are being made to establish a scholarship fund to honor Joanne and Don’s memory, with details forthcoming. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit our website to place online condolences, www.millsfuneral.com.