Marilyn Ann Nutter

Marilyn Ann Nutter (née Shields), 98, passed away on April 30, 2025, in Durango, CO. She was born in Princeton, IN on November 15th, 1926.

She attended St. Ambrose Catholic School, Grosse Pointe High School, and Michigan State University.

She wrote for her high-school newspaper & The Grosse Pointe News. She also took much joy in writing funny, thoughtful poems for all of her loved ones on their birthdays.

She was a dedicated homemaker and mother.

Marilyn was an avid skier, and spent many happy days and nights at the family vacation home at Walloon Hills, in Northern Michigan.

Marilyn was also an entrepreneur. She and husband Russ Nutter opened a very successful Wicks and Sticks franchise, in El Cajon, California. Later, The Oasis at Greenway Plaza, in Sun City, AZ.

Marilyn was always the life of the party, constantly entertaining and looking for the next excuse to plan a dinner, or cocktail party.

She was a dancer. From early childhood, entertaining at the nearby Veterans home, through her last “Prom” at 98 years old (where she was also crowned queen!), she always wanted to be on the dance floor.

She brightened every room she was in, and was a dedicated friend to many.

She was predeceased by her parents, Vivian and Jessie Shields, Sister, Alice Taylor, husbands, Russel Nutter, and John Bracken, and step-son Russel Nutter Jr.

Marilyn is survived by her Children, Judy Bolen (Jim), Daniel Bracken, and Nancy Stilwell (Dan). Step-children, Francis Nutter Rine, Robert Nutter (Kathy), Carol Nutter Jantz (Bob), and daughter-in-law, Jane Nutter. 15 grandchildren, and 16 Great-grandchildren. Her family would like to express tremendous gratitude to the staff of Cottonwood Healthcare Center for their excellent care and support of Marilyn during the past 3 years.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.