Arloa Gay Marmion

Following a courageous battle with cancer, Arloa Gay Marmion passed away peacefully in Lansing, MI, on the evening of August 19, 2026, with her husband, Dave Evans, by her side.
She was welcomed into this world on April 6, 1946, in Ovid, MI, the fourth of six children born to R.D. and Carmen (Parrent) Marmion. Arloa’s early years were spent on a small farm north of Lansing—an idyllic life. With no neighbors close by, the six children lived a Waltons-like existence, damming the creek into a swimming hole, building tunnels in the barn’s straw bales, and crowding into the green Oldsmobile for the short ride to their dad’s church. Arloa held onto that youthful enthusiasm throughout her life, ever curious and always ready for her next adventure.
Arloa attended a rural one-room schoolhouse with her siblings and the few nearby children, so it was quite a surprise when she transferred to a large inner-city school with hundreds of kids following the family’s move to Grand Rapids in 1957. Unfazed, Arloa went on to graduate from Ottawa Hills High School in 1964 and earned her degree in Education from Michigan State University in 1968.
Arloa was hired by Holt Public Schools and taught at the elementary level before moving to Hope Middle School, where she shared her love for science—that was where she was truly in her element. She was a gifted and caring teacher and colleague. As one parent beautifully wrote, “Ms. Marmion was one of those special individuals who just made the world a better place.”
Arloa was also a treasured aunt to her twelve nieces and nephews, who adored her. Whether catching frogs and snapping turtles at the pond behind her house, playing together in the Lake Michigan surf, or showing them how to pick rhubarb in her garden, time spent with Aunt Arloa was always an adventure.
Arloa built a rich, fulfilling life as an active, independent adult. She spent a summer trekking across Europe and was always ready for a road trip, often setting off for parts unknown in her trusty MGB with one of her siblings as co-pilot. She was a tenacious softball player and an avid rower, frequently spending peaceful mornings propelling her scull down the Grand River.
It was a truly pleasant surprise when Dave Evans entered her life later on, proving that the best adventures often come when you least expect them. They knew it was a perfect match when they discovered they had both owned a Triumph TR-4 as their very first car. Arloa and Dave built their relationship on a foundation of love, respect, and an equal partnership in everything they did. With Dave by her side, Arloa’s green thumb—inherited from her father—transformed an “unbuildable” lot into a lush oasis of gardens, complete with koi ponds and waterfalls. It was truly Arloa’s Garden of Eden. When retirement came, annual spring break trips to Florida became three-month escapes from Michigan’s harsh winters, always drawn to a close with March Madness, when she cheered on her beloved MSU Spartans. She and Dave also were season ticket holders for the MSU Women’s basketball team.
Arloa formed deep, enduring bonds wherever life took her—from high school classmates and college roommates to teaching colleagues, fellow garden and pond enthusiasts, Florida snowbirds, and neighbors near and far—building an ever-expanding circle of lifelong friends.
Arloa possessed a deep faith and a profoundly spiritual soul. She faced her final days with extraordinary strength and grace, unafraid of what lay ahead. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, kindness, and generosity that will live on through all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Arloa was preceded in death by her parents, R.D. and Carmen Marmion, and sister-in-law Terry Marmion.

Arloa is sadly missed by her beloved husband, Dave Evans; her siblings Carolyn Maring, Roland (Pamala) Marmion, Garnette (Steve) Port, Lee (Pauline) Marmion and Ralph Marmion; her twelve cherished nieces and nephews; step-children Susan Evans and Greg Marshall, David (Laura) Evans; step-grandsons Michael (Teresa), Josh, Daniel (Chloe) and extended family, dear friends, former colleagues, etc….

A Celebration of Life will be held outdoors in the midst of Arloa’s gardens on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM at 3525 Arabian Circle, Lansing, MI 48906  Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. To leave online condolences and memories, please visit www.EstesLeadley.com

A Note for Guests: The program to honor the many chapters of Arloa’s life will last approximately 90 minutes, featuring stories and reflections from family, close friends, teaching colleagues, and garden partners. The service will be held under a tent with side walls and windows with folding chairs right in the garden to ensure everyone is comfortable, rain or shine. Please join the family after the service for light refreshments and time to visit in the garden together.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Greater Lansing Food Bank’s Garden Project, an organization that supports a network of community gardens across mid-Michigan to provide fresh, healthy food to thousands of neighbors. Arloa was a dedicated volunteer who took great pride in cultivating community connections and empowering others through a shared love of gardening. Thank you!