Terrill, Marilyn Ann (Sturdevant)

Marilyn Ann (Sturdevant) Terrill, age 89, of West Bend, WI, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, at The Kathy Hospice in West Bend. Visitation will be held at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel (1420 W Paradise Dr. West Bend, WI 53095) on Sunday, August 3rd from 11:30am until 12:45pm. A memorial service will follow at the funeral home at 1pm, with Pastor Joseph Brath presiding, and then we’ll celebrate Marilyn’s life with a luncheon.

Marilyn was born in Dodgeville, WI, on March 18, 1936, to the late Gordon and Nona (nee Paulson) Sturdevant. After attending Mineral Point High School, Marilyn was united in marriage to Charles Terrill on August 31, 1953, in Geneva, IL. 

Marilyn lived a vibrant and full life, filled with laughter, good friends, and a spirit of adventure. She bowled like a champ and was a fierce competitor at the bridge and cribbage tables, leaving no points unclaimed—just ask anyone who was brave enough to sit across from her. A talented quilter, crafter, and gardener, she had an eye for detail and plants actually thrived under her care. She hit the open road on her Harley, riding to Sturgis with friends and family. 

Marilyn enjoyed a classic brandy and water or vodka gimlet and was a proud member of WOW (Women of Wealth), the Jackson Businessman’s Association, and Toastmasters. She was an excellent swimmer and an extraordinary cook and baker, delighting everyone with a wide variety of dishes including homemade lefse, peanut bars, and mashed potatoes so good they could settle arguments and make you forget any low-carb vows. Her weekly Sunday night dinners drew friends for her legendary chicken on the grill. Marilyn also added pro tips to her recipes, such as to keep one hand clean to answer the phone—and the phone rang just as she predicted. 

Her strong work ethic showed early as she detasseled corn in high school and worked at the Jolly Green Giant. Later, she built a career at West Bend Savings & Loan and as a mortgage loan officer for Wisconsin Mortgage. Always up for a challenge, Marilyn’s completion of her license as an insurance agent added to her long list of accomplishments. 

Marilyn camped and traveled the United States with family and friends. After retirement, “Chuck” and Marilyn explored the country in their motorhome. Later, Marilyn purchased a sunny winter getaway in Brownsville, Texas, where she added more friends. 

She will be remembered for the joy she sparked, her trademark sass and wit, and the deep, steady love for her family, her friends, and the remarkable life she built. Those left to cherish Marilyn’s memory include five children; David (Dawn) Terrill, Corinne (Brian) Blanchette, Wanda (Declan) Roche, Kevin (Heidi) Terrill, and Jill (Steven) Riffel, 13 grandchildren; Bre’ann Terrill, Harley (Kara) Terrill, Jennifer (Seth) Green, Rebecca (Lee) Gibbs, Susan (Josiah) Alan-Lee, Joshua (Mark) Blanchette, Brian Jr. (Kassi) Blanchette, Jamie (Bart) Pforr, Whittney (George) Halaby, Keelin Roche, Alex (Jena) Terrill, Troy (Melanie) Terrill, and Jeray (Brendan) Ferguson, and 23 great- grandchildren, as well as sister Diann (late Robert) Hughes. 

Marilyn was preceded in death by her adored husband, Chuck (2007), by her parents and parents-in-law, Merle and Thelma Terrill. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Jude’s Hospital, Shriner’s Hospital, or the Kewaskum House of Prayer. 

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Joe’s Angels (Ashley and especially Hannah) for their loving care while Marilyn lived at home, to Froedtert Hospital in West Bend, and to the Kathy Hospice.