Marilyn Sue (Jiles) Crombie

Faithful and full of faith, Marilyn “Sue” Crombie lived a life of service to others, lifting them up through friendship, teaching, mentoring, and mothering. She was always proud of her roots, professional mission, and loved ones. Our Mother, as she always ended her prayers, went out into the world each day of her life, and “Made it a better place”.

A 1950 graduate of Valley High School, Sue obtained her B.S., M.S., and Sixth Year from Indiana State Teachers College and ISU.  Her forty-year teaching career in Vigo County included the following schools: Greenwood, Concannon, Meadows, Sarah Scott, and Fuqua. She served in the original cadre of Title 1 Reading Teachers in the VCSC, and as Reading Consultant following retirement.

Sue’s dedication to literacy was evidenced through the creation of an adult literacy program at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, which she named GROW (God Reaching Out with Words).  Under her leadership, the program flourished for many years with the commitment of many dedicated volunteers. Her pledge to reach and teach these adults, resulted in befriending them, counseling them and loving them.

Mom was recognized throughout her schooling and professional life as being extraordinary, caring, and compassionate.  As a 1950 Valley High School salutatorian, she received a scholarship to Indiana State Teacher’s College and thus began her career as an educator.  Recognitions include American Business Woman’s Association 1980 Boss of the Year; 1991 St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Service Award for Adult Literacy; Indiana State Reading Association 1991 Outstanding Reading Award; Wabash Valley Council Indiana Reading Association, 1991 Excellence in Reading; 1992 Chapter 1 MVP Award; 1993 Hometown Hero; 1994 Phi Delta Kappa Excellence in Education award; 1997 Edward N. Howard Literacy Award; and 2000 Hamilton Award Nominee, saluting outstanding contributions to the cause of mental health.

Mom and Dad traveled throughout the country and world, sharing with friends and family, their sense of wonder and appreciation for ALL peoples and their cultures.  Her happiest days were spent with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.   Family brought much joy and love to her life, and her magic was that of making each and every one feel that they were the “most special” in her life.  Her gifts to us were revealed daily as she modeled unconditional love, a mission of putting others first, and supporting those deserving second chances.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Jack Crombie on June 7, 2015;  parents, Dorothy Canada Jiles and Roy Jiles.  Survivors include daughters, Marsha Jones (Tim), Robin Vislosky (Tim), and Michelle Sullivan (Jim); grandchildren, Abby Noroozi (Scott), Nathan Jones, Kailey Rhoades (Dusty), Andrew Sullivan, Aaron Sullivan, Lyndsey Fabbri (Tony), and Shannon Sullivan; great grandchildren Avery Noroozi, Lily Noroozi, Bella Fabbri, Camden Rhoades, Trenton Fabbri, Addelyn Rhoades, Sadie Rhoades, and Keaton Fabbri;  sister, JoAnn Hammond (Bill), and sister-in-law, Diane Summers, and many special nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at the Sycamore Winery.  It was requested by Mom, that in lieu of flowers, a donation of canned goods be brought to the celebration of life event, or monetary donations be made to the Providence Food Pantry. The celebration will be held on Tuesday, November 12th, from  2:00 pm -7:00 pm.  Please join us, and plan to bring a story of Mom to share, as we celebrate a life well lived and loved.

The family would like to thank Kindred Hospice for their kindness and caring.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 North 3rd St., West Terre Haute, IN.

Online condolences can be left at:  www.fitzpatrickfunerals.com