Marion D. Stiles

Marion D. Stiles, 89, of Berrien Springs died Sept. 12, 2020 at home while in the loving care of her family.

She and twin sister Mary were born in Benton Harbor on Nov. 4, 1930 to Mabel and Henry Eglinsdoerfer. They were raised by Mary and Lloyd Bennett. Upon graduation from Berrien Springs High School in 1949 and County Normal in 1950, Marion began teaching in several rural one-room schools while attending Western Michigan University. She received a Bachelor of Education degree in 1965 and was hired by the Eau Claire Public School system to develop their first Title 1 program.

Children had a special place in Marion’s heart and she had a passion for helping the underserved, especially focusing on helping them with their reading. She retired in 1988 but remained active in education developing materials for children to use in non-traditional settings.

Marion met Duane A. Stiles in Berrien Springs and they were married on July 27, 1952. They were happily married for 44 years until his death in 1996.

Marion is preceded in death by many sisters and brothers. She is survived by her twin sister, Mary Braman; daughters, Sherry Doyle and Dwan (Barry) Spriggs of Berrien Springs; grandsons, Jason Swenson (Alicia) of Bridgman and Brian Swenson of Berrien Springs; great-grandchildren, Jason Duane Swenson and Grace Belle Swenson of Bridgman; along with many beloved nieces and nephews. She also loved her four-legged grand-dogs: Bobby, Sammy, Daisy, Benny and Scottie.

As her health declined, she was lovingly cared for by her grandson, Brian, and Heather Bradley, who came from Arkansas. She deeply loved them both.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18 at Rose Hill Cemetery with Pastor Doug Cuthbert, where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Duane. The family would like for you to join them for refreshments at Marion's home following the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marion D. Stiles Memorial Fund, c/o Fifth Third Bank, 201 W. Ferry St., Berrien Springs, Mi 49103 or Caring Circle Hospice in St. Joseph, MI 49085.

Memories may be shared online at www.allredfuneralhome.com.