Marilyn Kay Croft

Marilyn Kay Croft, 73 of Maryville, TN fell into a deep sleep and transcended this world to the next the morning of May 29, 2025. 

Not bothering to wake for a preferred breakfast of pickles and pimento cheese, she eased on out, not trying to be a bother. 

Surely her next stop will have none of the trials and tribulations she faced on this Earth. In her later years she was a proud

and faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Alcoa, TN where she dutifully called each day to make sure 

of the week’s events and to stay up on the Sacraments. Special thanks to the Saint Joseph’s helpers for their outreach ministry. 

If you were someone on her call list you likely stayed there and these daily call rituals were predictable in their regularity

and reassuring content.

Marilyn was survived by her older brother Russell Stadelman II and his wife Joan, of Port St. Lucie, FL. and nephews 

Trip Stadelman and wife, Kirsten and family of Memphis, TN and Lucian “Luc” Stadelman and wife Michelle and children

Brayden, Beau, and Indie of Destin, FL.

Marilyn loved her pet bird, Joey, which she’s just now found out preceded her in death despite the best efforts of 

her son, Phillip Justin Croft and daughter-in-law Mary Croft, of Oak Ridge, TN. She also may be surprised that her 

favorite cat, Alex, has not been waiting for her as long as she thought. She thought Alex needed to be put down but 

he stayed living happily with the grandchildren for 2 years or more before crossing the rainbow bridge. Grandma Marilyn 

loved and was loved by her Grandchildren, Catherine Rose McAlister and husband Micah & great granddaughter Piper Josephine McAlister

of Ringgold, GA, Phillip Bennett Croft and partner Mason James of Denver, CO and Toby Morris Croft, Oak Ridge, TN.

She was preceded in death by her parents Russell and Shirley Stadelman of Memphis, TN. Marilyn lived a quiet, simple, contemplative

and spiritual life. She loved checking in by phone every day and all the time and if you didn’t catch up with her then, she would love

 to hear from you even now. Just talk to her and she’ll be there for you.

In lieu of flowers consider making a donation to NAMI Oak Ridge: 865-466-1234 or Mail a

check to:

NAMI Oak Ridge

PO Box 4665

Oak Ridge, TN 37831