Marilyn has gone home. It's cliche to say it, but to those that knew her know it's true. She was a blessing before she was born. Her parents, Omar and Nellie had given up on having children when she was born. As an only child, she was more than anyone could have expected, always generous, loving, and honest. This mix endeared her to everyone she met. As a child, she developed a strong sense of right and wrong, learned to give freely from her heart, and met her soul mate and future husband Gerald Crouse.

Years later, after high school, Gerald came back from Vietnam and began looking for the girl that captured his heart years before. He eventually found her in Indianapolis, and the rest is history. They married and had two children. Together they raised two children Derek and DeVonna. Marilyn had a huge impact on their lives, guiding them with love, patience, and kindness.

In fact, when asked to describe Marilyn, those three words are echoed by all. To know her is to love her. She cared about everyone she knew. And all of that love was poured into her grandchildren. She was everything you would want in a grandmother. Kind, caring, loving, and attentive. She was always there for Erika and Eriana, her little angels. If you told her that her granddaughters did something bad she would always say, in disbelief "Not my little angels!"

Now those little angels have an angel of their own, we all do. It's not very often you meet one in the flesh, I am glad to have been able too.

Marilyn is survived by her husband Gerald Crouse, son Derek Crouse, daughter DeVonna Loud (Crouse), her husband Edward Loud and two grandchildren Erika and Eriana Loud. Who all miss her dearly.