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Marjorie E. Erwin died on December 20, 2012 at Pine Knoll Rehab Center, one day before her 93rd birthday. She was born in Jay County December 21, 1919, the youngest child of Jesse and Caroline (Tawney) Bentz. She was raised on a farm on the Jay/Randolph county line and graduated from Saratoga High School in 1937 where she was a cheerleader, a girl’s team basketball player and a member of the orchestra. After graduation she worked at the Jay Garment Company in Portland. On August 24 she Married Arlin Erwin and they were married 49 years.
Marjorie was very active in the Winchester Congregational Church where for many years she was a Sunday School Teacher. In 1960 she began working at the Boston Store in the basement, mostly selling fabrics. She became known as “the Boston Store Lady” and worked there until the store closed. She patiently helped hundreds of 4-H girls pick just the right fabric for their aprons, skirts and dresses, and had all the patience in the world to make sure they were pleased.
Marjorie is survived by one daughter, Sharon Erwin Smith (Robert) of Winchester, and a son, Ronald Erwin (Carol) of Alabama. Also 6 grandchildren, Tammy Erwin Middleton (Robert) of Florida, Tina Fry (Jeff) of Indianapolis, Anthony Erwin (Kate) of North Carolina, Todd Erwin of Alabama, Dr. Eric Wiltshire (Ann) of Oregon and Brent Wiltshire (Jane) of Connecticut.
Also surviving are great-grandchildren, Kayla Wilks (Sterling) of Washington, Alexandra Erwin of North Carolina, Molly Middleton of Florida, James Vincent Frye of Indianapolis, Hallie and Kaira Wiltshire of Connecticut, Emily Wiltshire of Oregon and Iris Smith of Indianapolis. The youngest of the four greats called her “Grape” and she loved the nickname. Her first great-great grandchild is due in June, 2013.
Marjorie is also survived by a special sister-in-law, Norma Riggs of West Virginia and a brother-in-law, Arvil Erwin of Florida. Also surviving are several Nieces and nephews on both the Bentz and Erwin sides of the family to whom she will always be their special “Aunt Margie”.
Also special in Marjorie’s life were Sharon Freeland (daughter Sharon’s college roommate and Marge’s “other daughter”) of Indianapolis and Joe and Josephine Svec, (daughter Sharon’s dear friends and Marge’s other kids) of Indianapolis.
She was predeceased by her parents, four siblings, Robert Bentz, Fred Bentz, Mary Loy and Byron Bentz and their spouses all of Jay County, her husband, Arlin Erwin and her son, Arlin Jay Erwin, born Christmas Day, 1941 and died April 20, 2009. Marjorie outlived many other of her friends and relatives.
Special thanks to the staff at Pine Knoll who took such great care of her these last 15 monrths.
Friends and family may call from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday December 22, 2012 at the Walker Funeral Home in Winchester, followed by services at 11:00 am with Pastor Rob Butler officiating. Burial will be at Lawndale Cemetery in Ridgeville, Indiana.
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