Marilyn Kay (Darland) Fleming, of Merrill, Michigan, passed away on February 16, 2026, in Auburn, Michigan, at the age of 82.

She was born on July 4, 1943, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Bernard and Rose Marie Darland.

Marilyn graduated from Breckenridge High School and enjoyed a variety of occupations throughout her adult life.

She married the love of her life, Ronald Fleming, on June 30, 1962, and together they shared 47 wonderful years of marriage before Ron’s passing in 2009.

Marilyn was known for her passion for art and creativity, and she often reminded others that personal art can’t be bad or wrong when it comes from the heart. She spent countless hours sharing that creativity through arts and crafts with her immediate and extended family, and nearly everyone in her family can tell a story about something she made, how she inspired them, or a meaningful moment they created together.

Her dedication to her family was unmatched. Marilyn cared for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family with a deep and beautiful love. If you were lucky enough to be loved by Marilyn, you always knew it—and you will never forget what it felt like. Family was more important than anything to her, and if you were part of it, you always knew she was on your side, no matter the circumstances. Her kind and gentle spirit extended beyond her family to many friends and others in her community. When Marilyn’s children were young, their schoolteachers were especially excited to have one of her kids in their classroom, knowing Marilyn had a way of making everyday moments feel special for all who shared that space. She also volunteered to coach softball and cheerleading at Merrill High School, and the young women on those teams have many wonderful stories to share about her.

She was predeceased by her husband, Ron, and her son, Kurt Fleming. She is survived by her children: Greg (Jamie) Fleming, Doug (Laurie) Fleming, and Ronda Fleming; her grandchildren: Michael Fleming, Karley (Tyler) Woody, Connor (Cassie) Fleming, Kyle Fleming, and Troy Brown; and her great-grandchildren: Lily Fleming, Kaydri Fleming, and Reason Fleming. Marilyn was also predeceased by her siblings: Robert Darland, David Darland, Rosemary Darland, Tom Darland, Jackie Mikusko, Bonnie Madden, and Kim Mitchell. She is survived by her siblings Joyce Moulton, Bernie Darland, Jim Darland, Cathy Dougherty, Elaine Caulfield, Karen Simpson, and Michelle Radin, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at St. John XXIII Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 140 E Church St, Merrill, MI 48637. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in Marilyn’s name.

Arrangements were entrusted to W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 125 E Saginaw St, Merrill, MI 48637. Please share your memories of Marilyn at the church or by visiting www.casefuneralhome.com.