Marilyn L. Vander Horst Monroe, 86, Dayton, ended her journey on Earth at Hospice of Dayton, surrounded by her family, on Jan. 5, 2014. She gracefully battled Alzheimers' for many years.

Her husband of 62 years, Paul E. Monroe, preceded her in death on Jan. 3, 2011.

Surviving are six children, Jenny (Tim) Garwood, Vandalia, Diane (Lonnie, deceased) Morgan, Louisville, Ky., Jeff (Donna) Monroe, Cincinnati, Paula (Ken) Hogan, Dayton, Mark Monroe, Dayton, and Clark (Lisa) Monroe, Troy; 11 grandchildren, Christi (Donnie) Horn, Heidi (Kent) Fosberg, Whitney (Terry) Kramer, Amanda (Filippo) Toma, Scott Monroe, Hillary Morgan (Kurt Rotthoff), Erin (Brad) McLaughlin, Andrew (Amber) Hogan, Anthony (Whitney) Monroe, Evan Monroe and Eric (Charlotte) Monroe; 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Shirley Simon, Fort Loramie; a brother-in-law, Bert Schmitz, Dayton; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Bob and Don Vander Horst, and a sister, Norma Schmitz, Vandalia.

She was a life-long active member of Our Lady of Mercy parish. She worked in sales at Dale Fashions and later in sales audit at Elder-Beerman Northwest. For 12 years, she and her husband owned and operated BK Root Beer in Troy. The kitchen was always open at the Monroe's to friends, neighbors and family. For many years everyone looked forward to her beautifully decorated plates of Christmas cookies.

Upon retirement, she pursued her passion for playing bridge and ultimately earned the coveted Life Master and Bronze Life Master awards in duplicate bridge. Her creative outlet was making and painting porcelain dolls and ornately decorated nativity sets. She and her husband were avid spectators at the many sporting events and performances in which their children and grandchildren participated: swim meets, every possible kind of ball games,dance recitals, gymnastics, cheerleading and drill team competitions, track meets, hockey games and soccer matches, to name a few.

She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother who devoted her life to her family.

Her body has been donated to the Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, per her request.

A Memorial Mass will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church, the Rev. Ken Baker officiating. A gathering with the family will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Dayton or the Alzheimer's Association.

Condolences may be left at the Dayton Daily News online guest book.