Marilyn Joyce Elston

SCOTTSDALE – Marilyn Joyce Elston (Anderson) SCOTTSDALE (92) was born September 27, 1930 in South Bend, IN. Marilyn and her husband, L. Charles (Chuck) Elston moved to Scottsdale AZ in 1959. A devoted wife and mother of 4 children, she enjoyed volunteering at Scottsdale Baptist Hospital, and was active in many church functions as well as golf with friends and Red Hat Club activities. She and Chuck were founding members of Ascension Lutheran Church in Paradise Valley where she sang in the choir and participated in several women’s groups. Marilyn was an excellent musician playing the accordion and saxophone since elementary school. She and Chuck, an accomplished pianist, helped form the 16-piece “Over the Hill” Big Band musical ensemble which, for many years, raised money for Scottsdale School District band instruments and music programs. When retirement came around, Marilyn and Chuck sold their Paradise Valley home and built a home in Lake Montezuma AZ. They also purchased a boat and spent 9 seasons sailing the Intercoastal Waterway from Alabama to New York. Later in life they moved to a home near Lake Michigan where they spent their summers before returning to Arizona for the winter. Marilyn was extremely proud of her Swedish heritage and was a lifelong member of the Vasa Order of America. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Chuck, and her brother Kenneth Anderson. Marilyn is survived by her children Dave Elston (Rosemary), Art Elston (Elvie), Nancy Sharpe (Brad), and Karen Cole (Tom). She was also blessed with 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Her funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on March 10th at Ascension Lutheran Church, 7100 N. Mockingbird Lane, with a reception following. A private interment will be held at Greenwood Memorial Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley at www.HOV.org or at (602) 530-6900.