Marilyn Aust Beardsley passed away at the age of 92 on February 27, 2025 in a local facility. Marilyn was an animal and bird lover, always having a bird feeder or a pair of binoculars close at hand. She held firm beliefs of what was right and wrong, which followed her through her life. As a mother and housewife, she was able to create family meals on a budget and found pleasure serving friends and her community, as well. She was an active parishioner of the Dearborn Congregational Church, formerly the Greenfield Congregational Church and proud resident of the Dearborn community for decades. Marilyn worked tirelessly for the League of Women Voters and donated time at a local radio station reading for the blind. Marilyn loved to travel, locally and abroad. Many of her lifelong memories were compiled in her scrapbooks, through which she found great pleasure in reliving the events of her long life. She was an avid bridge player during her mid-life, holding several rotating tables of bridge in her home with friends and family. She enjoyed playing the piano in the family home.

Born in Oklahoma City, OK in 1933, Marilyn was raised by Margaret and Bert Aust with her younger brother, Richard Aust and aunt Vivian Aust. Marilyn took pride in her academic achievements, including being valedictorian of her high school class in Elmhurst, IL. She attended Kalamazoo College and completed her degree at the University of Michigan, later in life. Marilyn found her stride working for her community when she worked for the League of Women Voters. Public speaking was not easy for her, but with her discipline and practice she pushed through any fear.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 70 years, Rufus Beardsley and daughter, Joyce Beardsley of Chattanooga, TN, sister-in-law, Sylvia Aust, niece, Laura Aust and nephew, Brian Aust. She was preceded in death by her parents many years ago, her brother, Richard Aust and daughter, Linda Rodolico. Marilyn would always find pleasure in sharing anecdotes of her many family pets, most notably Piggen, a rescue dog, who became a family treasure and a neighborhood cat, Callie, who found love and care in the Beardsley home. Marilyn was a keen bird lover, able to identify a bird call and always enjoyed feeding birds in her backyard.

There will be no formal service. The Beardsley family asks that you remember Marilyn in your own private way, recalling how she impacted your life. Marilyn lived a long life and had many accomplishments throughout her life that affected family, friends and her community. She is now at peace.