Marilyn Dian Bell Huss, 81 of Valparaiso, IN, formerly of LaPorte, IN, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026. She was born May 10, 1944, in Burbank, CA, to the late Elmer Foertsch and Anne (Conlon) Troxell. Marilyn graduated from George Washington High School in East Chicago, IL. She had worked in a photography studio in Chicago, and later as a bookkeeper for McDonalds in Valparaiso. Marilyn had a generous heart and enjoyed shopping for others, and giving gifts and treats to friends and family. She will be remembered as an honest and reliable person with a sweet disposition. Marilyn was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who will be dearly missed.
Marilyn is survived by her children: Jane (Mike) Hammond of Valparaiso, and Jerry (Sunshine) Bell, Jr. of LaPorte; granddaughters: Angela (Greg) Burchuk, Allison Bell, Cailtin Bell, and Maggie Bell; great-granddaughters: Eleanor and Khmari; sisters-in-law: Becki (Mike) Stinnett, Jane (Dan) Claus, and Frances Armstrong; 11 step-children; many step-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband of 25 years and father of her children, Jerry Bell; her second husband of 25 years, David Huss; and sisters: Janet and Robin.
A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be announced at a later date.
