Marilyn R. Bratt

Marilyn Bratt passed away peacefully at Clark Retirement Community, Grand Rapids, on January 10, 2026, exactly three weeks after celebrating her 100th birthday. Marilyn was born at home on her family’s farm near Perry Michigan on December 20, 1925. The second of three children, Marilyn’s older brother (LG) and younger sister (Royce) remained an important presence throughout her life. Marilyn lived an active lifestyle from an early age. She spent many hours outdoors, both in play and participating in chores around the farm. As a child, Marilyn attended a one-room schoolhouse with other children in 1st-8th grades. She then attended Williamston High School and, after graduation and two years doing office work in Lansing, enrolled at Michigan State University to study business education. After graduating in 1949, she accepted a teaching position with the East Detroit Public Schools. Marilyn remained in that position for many years until her retirement in 1985. Her work impacted the lives of hundreds of students who used the skills and life lessons she taught to enhance their professional careers.

Marilyn met Carroll Bratt, an administrator in the East Detroit school district, shortly after beginning work there. They were married on December 22, 1951 at People’s Church, East Lansing. Marilyn and Carroll settled into the East Detroit community, where their family grew to include a daughter (Andrea) and son (David). Marilyn remained active during these years, with a focus on supporting her family and her career. Marilyn enjoyed gardening and was an active member of Immanuel United Methodist church. She and Carroll, with their children, also enjoyed many family vacations together including the Smoky Mountains, the East Coast, Florida, California and many national parks in the western United States. The family also made yearly trips to visit family and friends in Canada, northern Michigan, and Columbus Ohio.

1925 ~ 2026

Many weekends were spent in Harbor Beach with Marilyn and Carroll’s dear friends the Reifs.

After retirement in 1985, Marilyn and Carroll moved to Empire, Michigan. Winters were spent in St. Petersburg Beach, FL. With additional extra time, Marilyn became very active in the local community. She was a member of the Glen Lake Women’s Club, serving two terms as President. Marilyn also was an active member of the Empire United Methodist Church, the Leelanau County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, the Dunes Golf Club, the Empire Library Board and the Glen Lake Garden club. Marilyn moved to Grand Rapids in 2015 and spent the last 11 years at Clark Retirement Community’s Franklin campus. Marilyn was an avid Michigan State Sports fan and a long-standing football season ticket holder. She greatly enjoyed attending games with family members and friends.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Carroll, her brother LG and sister-in-law Evelyn, her sister Royce and brother-in-law Charles, and dear friends Marty and Ruthy Reif. She is survived by her children, Andrea and Brad Smith (Grand Rapids, MI) and David and Molly Bratt (Palatine, IL). Marilyn is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Kyle Smith and Tarah Leroy (Felix), Cameron and Caitlyn Smith (Cleo and Jai), Lauren and David Schrock (Gabriel and Elio), Kara and Connor Lockman (Wesley), Jacqueline Bratt and Carlyn Bratt.

Family and friends are invited to attend a service celebrating Marilyn’s life at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday January 17 at The Community Church, 7239 Thornapple River Drive SE Ada. A time to gather for lunch and fellowship will follow. Memorial donations in Marilyn’s honor may be made to Heifer International (Home - Heifer International) or to an organization of your choice.