Marilyn Ruth (DeYoung) Loyselle

Marilyn Ruth (DeYoung) Loyselle, 89, of Petoskey, died September 25, 2025.

She was born on September 27, 1935, in Spring Lake, Michigan, to Hans and Winifred (Vandenbosch) DeYoung. Marilyn met the love of her life, James Loyselle, while in high school, and the two were married on September 6, 1957. They made their home in Traverse City before settling in Petoskey in 1973. Together, they raised two children, Patricia and Bill, and shared 57 happy years of marriage until Jim’s passing in 2014.

Marilyn spent much of her career as a catalog supervisor for JCPenney, a role that suited her perfectly. Her warm, outgoing personality made her a natural at connecting with others, and she built many lasting friendships through her years in retail. She and Jim were active members of the Eagles Club in Petoskey and took great joy in watching their grandchildren’s activities, especially hockey games and high school band performances.

In her free time, Marilyn enjoyed a variety of crafts, including knitting, crocheting, latch hook, ceramics, and playing Bingo. She will be remembered for her kind, generous spirit and her genuine care for others. Even in her later years, she could often be found chatting with fellow residents in the hallway at The Villa Assisted Living, bringing warmth and companionship wherever she went.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Patricia Loyselle of Lakewood, Ohio, and Bill (Monica) Loyselle of Petoskey; grandchildren, Richard (Mandy) Loyselle of Harbor Springs, Christopher (Mandy) Loyselle of Petoskey, and Amber Loyselle of Pellston; great-grandson Ryot Loyselle; and brother Bob (Janet) DeYoung of Branch, Michigan. She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Jim.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on October 1, 2025, at Stone Funeral Home, with visitation beginning an hour prior. Pastor Jeff Ellis will officiate. Marilyn will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery.

Those wishing to honor her memory are invited to make a donation to the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, an organization close to Marilyn’s heart, as she had a lifelong love of animals.