Marilyn L. Buckingham, age 83 of Big Rapids, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 27, 2013. She was born October 8, 1930 in Flint, the daughter of Lohman G. and Myrle M. (Lee) Dressel. Marilyn graduated from Ann Arbor Pioneer High School. She attended Michigan State University, earning her Bachelors of Arts and Science. Marilyn married William "Bucky" Buckingham on June 27, 1953. They made their home in the Ann Arbor area until moving to Big Rapids in 1963. Bucky had accepted an administrative position at Ferris State University and Marilyn shared her creativity thru her employment at both Starr and Big Rapids Greenhouses. She was a devout member of St. Paul's Campus Parish in Big Rapids for many years. Marilyn turned everything in life into something more beautiful; through her community work, her parish life and her family. She is survived by her daughter, Beth (Bruno) Bottcher of Alexandria, VA, sons, William (Janis) Buckingham of Jackson, Robert (Kim) Buckingham of Big Rapids, Tim (Lisa) Buckingham of Big Rapids, Nghia (Nguyet) Tran of Orlando, FL; 12 grandchildren, one great-grandson and many nieces and nephews. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 52 years, William "Bucky" Buckingham on October 11, 2005 and a brother, Robert Dressel. A Memorial Mass will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 28th at St. Paul's Campus Parish with Father Michael Burt and Father Wayne Wheeler concelebrating. The family will greet friends at the church 2 hours prior to Mass (from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Mass). Marilyn's family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Evergreen Terrace and Hospice of Michigan for the tender love and care given to their mother. Memorial contributions in Marilyn's name may be made to the Newman Center at F.S.U. (a Catholic Student Organization), the American Heart Association or to the American Cancer Society for Cancer Research.