Marilyn Rita (Knight) Donnelly, age 92 of Grand Rapids, MI, formerly Elk Rapids, MI, passed away February 28, 2021. She was born October 11, 1928 in Peoria, IL. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jim (Susan) Knight. Marilyn is survived by her husband of 70 years, Gerald A. Donnelly; daughters, Kathy (John) Maxson, Karen (Rod) Pelton, Diane (Greg) Schuster, Maureen Rodriguez; son, Tom (Kira) Donnelly; grandchildren, Beth, Ben, Emily, Chrissy, Jonathan, Kate, Lauren, Ali, Rafael, Brianna, Collin, Evan; 16 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way; sister, Carole (Jim) Konitzer; brother, Bob (Mary Ann) Knight; and many nieces and nephews. She was a devoted wife and mother. During her 70 years of marriage, she easily handled 12 moves to 5 different states with 5 children. Marilyn viewed the moves as just another adventure and she made many lifelong friends wherever she went. She enjoyed travel, many years of playing bridge and golf, but her greatest joy was her family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 12:00 PM Friday, March 5, 2021 at St. Robert of Newminster, 6477 Ada Dr SE, Ada, MI 49301. Family will greet visitors one-hour prior. Rev. Leonard Sudlik presiding. Masks and social distancing will be required. Mass will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_SIB8f_7u4&feature=youtu.be Memorial contributions may be made to Father Fred Foundation at http://fatherfred.org or Spectrum Health Hospice at http://spectrumhealthfoundation.org/tributegiving
