Marilyn Stafford

Marilyn Stafford of Columbus, Indiana, was received into the arms of our Lord and Savior on January 27, 2026. Marilyn was born on January 21, 1947, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to parents Evelyn Akin (Kinnaman) and Thomas “Thaws” Stafford. As a child, she lived with her beloved Aunt Opal and Uncle Vernon Roach in Bedford, Indiana. Times were simpler then. The small house on the hill was full of children and overflowing with love. Marilyn credited her Uncle Vernon with introducing her to horses at a very young age, a love that lasted her entire life. He read the Bible nightly, and they attended church together every Sunday. During her teenage years, Marilyn relocated to Indianapolis to live with her mother. She attended Ben Davis High School and was a member of Job’s Daughters and Mars Hill Church of Christ. During this era of her life, she was fortunate to have a loving and devoted stepmother, Georgia Stafford (Robins). Georgia was a tremendous influence on Marilyn’s life and was never forgotten. Marilyn eventually settled in Columbus, Indiana, where she graduated from Columbus North High School. She was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Eastern Star of Franklin, Indiana, the American Legion, Elks, Eagles, and the Moose Lodge. Her employment included Hamilton Cosco, Athens Ambulance Service, and Cummins Engine Company. While working at Athens Ambulance Service, Marilyn became the first female certified emergency medical technician in the state of Indiana. She concluded her career with retirement from Bartholomew County School Corporation after 29 years of dedicated service. Marilyn’s greatest pride and joy were her children, stepdaughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved traveling with her daughters to destinations such as Florida, Memphis, West Virginia, and Tybee Island. A devoted Elvis fan, she especially cherished visits to Graceland. One of her greatest adventures was traveling to Europe, where she visited her brother, Michael “Mick” Kinnaman. She explored several countries, including France and Italy, and was in awe of the architecture and culture. She admired the strong family values and deep respect for the elderly, describing it as a “slower pace of life”—except for the driving on the autobahn! Marilyn enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: family gatherings, cookouts, holidays, and visits from friends. One of her favorite pastimes was playing Euchre, where she was known as a fierce competitor. She also loved dining out with her loved ones, especially her cherished best friend, Nancy Jones. Her favorite four-legged family member was a very special dog named Ring. Though he may have been the runt of the litter, he outlived the rest of his pack and brought Marilyn great joy throughout her life. He was never forgotten. Marilyn attended Calvary Nazarene Church, where she drew strength and inspiration from her church family. She is survived by her daughters, Brenda Schoeberl (Bill) and Lavon Redlin; stepdaughter, Terrie Campbell; brother, Michael “Mick” Kinnaman; grandchildren, Tyler Jones (Josie), Drew Schoeberl (Cassie Baird), Evan Redlin (Ilse Ortiz), and Nikol Redlin; step-grandchild, Ashley Banks; and great-grandchildren, Logan Jones and Juniper Jones. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved stepmother, and her sister, Nancy Wampler (Stafford). Marilyn will be deeply missed and loved eternally by her family and friends. To know her was to love her. A service will be held at Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service & Crematory, on Monday, February 2, at 11:00 a.m., with calling hours beginning at 10:00 a.m. Reverend Paul Blair will officiate. Marilyn will be laid to rest at Garland Brook Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana in appreciation of the exceptional care, support, and kindness provided to the family. Donations may also be made in Marilyn’s honor to Calvary Nazarene Church, Riley Children’s Hospital, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.