Marilyn Joan Boyd

     Marilyn Joan Boyd, 93, of Northville, MI, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026. Marilyn was born on February 5, 1933, in Wheeler, MI, the daughter of Harold James and Carol Eunice (Gulick) Mills. Growing up on the family farm, she became a member of both Homemakers of America and the local 4-H, where she discovered a natural talent for cooking that would earn her the title of State of Michigan Cherry Pie Queen in 1948. A dedicated student, Marilyn graduated as valedictorian of Ithaca High School in 1951 before going on to Michigan State University, where she was a member of the Tri Delta Sorority and earned her bachelor's degree in Home Economics in 1955.
     On June 25th, 1955, she married Keith Allen Boyd in Ithaca, MI. She and Keith had three children, Michael, Susan, and Barbara. They lived in several towns as they moved with Keith’s career, including Mt. Clemens and Marshall, MI, South Bend, IN, and finally Northville, MI. Marilyn was the quintessential homemaker. There was always a sweet treat in the freezer, and family and friends enjoyed countless homemade meals lovingly prepared by Marilyn, including the famous cherry pie! Once her children were grown, Marilyn built a rewarding career at Hudson's fine China department — working at both the South Bend and Novi locations — and later at Kitchen Glamor in Novi. It was work that suited her perfectly; she was in her element among beautiful things, and she made several dear friends along the way.
     She was often with Michael’s and Barbara’s families in Battle Creek and Ann Arbor, and she took many trips to Germany, to be with Susan’s family there. They also visited Michigan frequently for weeks or months at a time to spend time with Grandma. Marilyn adored her grandchildren and loved spending time with them and supporting them at school and sports activities. She was thrilled when the family grew with three great-grandchildren in recent years.
     Marilyn cherished the long history of her and Keith’s families in Gratiot County. When they sold their parents’ farms, she carefully kept an array of clothing, tools, and household items as reminders of that history. A number of these items have since been donated to the Gratiot County Historical Museum to preserve the memories of the way of life in mid-Michigan from the 1800s into the 20th century. She is survived by her children Michael (Sherry) Boyd, Susan (Peter) Talke, and Barbara (Tim) Schenk. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Stefan (Giovanna) Talke, Daniel (Mai) Talke, Matthew (Jade) Boyd, James (Stephanie) Boyd, Rachel Schenk, and John Schenk; great-grandchildren: Lia Talke, Keyra Talke, and Kai Talke; nieces Kellie (Greg) Quinn, Kristine (Clarence) Boote, Kolleen (Scott) Smith; nephews Steven Johnson, Patrick (Roberta) Boykin, and Donovan (Catherine) Boykin. Marilyn was preceded in death by her loving husband Keith; her parents Harold and Carol; her sister Allison (Mills) Boykin; and her dear friend Joyce Bousquet. Funeral services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes in Ithaca, MI at 12:00 P.M. on Friday, April 17, 2026, with Pastor Steven Gulick officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Ithaca Cemetery, Ithaca, MI.
     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Marilyn's honor may be made to the Gratiot County Historical Society. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.