Marilee Joan York, 87, Columbia City, passed away at 10:43 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, at Parkview Whitley Hospital. Born Jan. 27, 1930, in Columbia City, she was the daughter of Lowell Glen and Lylia M. (Mosher) Heil.

A lifelong resident of Whitley County, she graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1948. On April 5, 1953, she married Donald York at the E.U.B. Church in Columbia City. For over 17 years, Marilee worked at Jone’s Bakery until 1970; worked seven years at the Post & Mail where she was a news writer, photographer and proof reader; and at the end of her working career she was at The Style Shop.

After retiring, she helped her husband with his photography business, York Photos. She was a member of Columbia City United Methodist Church, Sigma Eta Fine Arts since she was 18 years old and the VFW Auxiliary. She loved and lived for singing in the choir and also enjoyed painting and photography. Marilee could out dance “Jitterbug” better than anyone, saying she has “Happy Feet”.

Survivors include her sister, Willadene Holycross, Columbia City; niece, Leah (Mark) Phillipson, Fort Wayne; nephew, Roger Studebaker, Pierceton; seven great-nieces and nephews; her best friend, Mary Lou Keele, Columbia City plus many other caring and loving friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don York; son, Warren York; niece, Sue Ellen Studebaker.

Visitation is 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Fred Stanton officiating. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Highland Park Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given in her memory to Columbia City United Methodist Church.