Marilyn Ann Swope, 93, formerly of Winter Park, Florida, and Needmore, Pennsylvania, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 28, 2026.
Marilyn was born April 15, 1933, in Akron, Ohio, to the late Lloyd and Ruth (Miller) Miller. She was the wife of Paul Christophel, who she married on April 19, 2008.
Marilyn graduated in 1951 from Vero Beach High School in Vero Beach, Florida. She attended Florida State University in Tallahassee, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art, in 1955. She then went on to have a career as a graphic artist.
Marilyn was a gifted artist and crafter who had the unique ability to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. She often turned simple materials like bricks, barnwood, candles, and cow skulls into cherished works of art. Her creativity lives on through the treasured works of art she leaves in the homes and hearts of those she loved.
Marilyn was an avid reader, excellent cook, and passionate traveler. She embraced life with an incredible sense of humor and a love for adventure. Those around her frequently found themselves joining in on whatever adventure she was embarking on that day.
Affectionately known as “Grammy” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Marilyn was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved her family deeply. She had a way of making each person feel like they were her favorite. She was humble, loyal, and incredibly giving. She was always there to support and serve others, often rooting for the underdog. Marilyn’s legacy of kindness and generosity will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.
Most importantly Marilyn loved the Lord. She never missed an opportunity to introduce Jesus to others. She was a member of Sideling Hill Christian Church; where she served in the Lady’s Aid for many years.
She is survived by her husband, Paul Christophel; her daughters, Deborah Hutchinson and Melissa (wife of Scott) Ingalsbe; her son, Mark Swope; seven grandchildren, Shawn (husband of Tiffany) Hutchinson, Josh (husband of Sabrina) Hutchinson, Tyler (husband of Zamaria) Swope, Tara (wife of Mitch) Ponder, Matt (husband of Marissa) Hutchinson, Brittany (wife of Ashton) Cain, and Jordan Ingalsbe; and ten great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Donald Miller; and her beloved husband, William Marvin Swope.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Sideling Hill Christian Church, Needmore, Pennsylvania.
Interment will be at the Sideling Hill Christian Church Cemetery, Needmore, Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Marilyn may be made to the Sideling Hill Christian Church 10424 Sipes Mill Rd in Needmore, PA 17238.
Arrangements were made by the Howard L. Sipes Funeral Home, Inc., McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania.
Online condolences may be expressed at the funeral home’s website.
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store.
