Marilyn K. Baublitz

Marilyn K. Baublitz of Caro, age 83, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, June 15, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Marilyn was born September 12, 1940 in Reese, the daughter of the late Earl & Irene (McPherson) Bauman. She attended Baker Elementary, a one room schoolhouse, through eighth grade before attending Reese High School where she graduated in 1958. In 1959, she was united in marriage with Thomas Abbey. During the early years of their marriage, Marilyn worked as a receptionist at Dr. Gugino’s family practice in Reese before moving with her family to Big Rapids in 1962 while Tom earned his degree in accounting. Following his graduation in 1964, the family returned to Reese until 1967 when they moved to the Detroit area while Tom attended law school at Wayne State University. While there, Marilyn worked for a psychiatrist until Tom opened his first law practice in Warren in 1971 with Marilyn at his side, assisting in the office. In 1975, Tom and Marilyn moved to Caro where he would practice law for the remainder of his life, and she continued to manage the office for Tom and later her son, Jim. Marilyn’s final position was with Moore Motors in Caro as a receptionist and the friendly face that greeted you upon your arrival. Tom preceded Marilyn in death in 2001, and she was blessed with a second marriage to Don Baublitz on August 25, 2007 in Caro. Together, Marilyn and Don enjoyed traveling Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States with a particularly favorite weeklong camping adventure on the Colorado River. They also enjoyed winters spent in Florida. Marilyn was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing with many close friends. She was also a member of a local investment club, bridge club, and served as chairperson of the Tuscola County Pumpkin Festival. She had many fond memories of her cottage in the Broken Rocks Association in Port Austin and served for a time as the president of the association. Marilyn was always up to try new things, even completing a high ropes course at a church camp with her family when she was in her 70s. She was active with the Caro United Methodist Church where she led a youth group for many years, and Colwood Church, where she attended with Don until her death. Her faith was a cornerstone in her life and she displayed Christ’s love by how she loved others. Although Marilyn didn’t want to leave her friends and family, she longed for her heavenly home and was at peace with God’s plan for her.

Left to cherish Marilyn’s memory are her loving husband, Don Baublitz; two sons, James R. Abbey and his wife, Lisa of Caro, Dr. Kenneth R. Abbey and his wife, Jennifer C. Swendsen of Lake Oswego, Oregon; grandchildren, Dr. Nicholas Abbey and his wife, Claudia Gates Abbey of Grand Rapids, Caitlyn Abbey of Chicago; step-family she loved as her own, including stepchildren Jessica Baublitz and her husband, Eric Ratermann of Cincinnati, Ohio, Stefanie Kessen and her husband, Robert of Wausau, Wisconsin, Jeffrey Jones and his wife, Karen of Chicago, Amy Jones of Chicago; step-grandchildren, Carley Kessen, Avery Kessen, and Jasper Jones; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and first husband, Tom, Marilyn was preceded in death by one sister, Kathleen Chutes.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024 at the Colwood Church in Caro with Rev. Kelly Ball officiating. Marilyn’s family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a,m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Bluewater Thumb Youth for Christ.