Marilou M. VanScoit

Marilou M. VanScoit, age 95, of Northville formerly of Lady Lake, Florida, passed away on August 2, 2025. She was born on August 20, 1929 in Hancock County, Ohio; daughter of Everett and Mabel (Deck) Woodruff. She grew up in Ohio and was a proud graduate of Vanlue High School in Hancock County with the class of 1946. Marilou was united in marriage to Joseph A. VanScoit on November 5, 1949; they spent 46 years lovingly devoted to one another until his death on April 11, 1996.

Just out of high school, Marilou began her career as a switchboard operator before joining Ford Motor Company as a secretary. She later stepped away from the workforce and embraced her role as a homemaker with love and dedication. A devoted and supportive mother, Marilou ensured her daughters never missed an extracurricular activity, and she went the extra mile, sewing shirts for the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps and crafting color guard flags for the Warren High School marching band. As her daughters grew older, Marilou returned to work at Minnesota Fabrics, combining her lifelong love of sewing with her job. She often created clothing for her girls that was proudly displayed in the store before becoming part of their wardrobes. Later in life, after relocating to Florida with her husband, Marilou continued to stay active and worked for several years as a secretary with Mark Farner CPA.

A devout Christian, Marilou was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Northville and the Leesburg First United Methodist Church while living in Florida.

Marilou was a gifted seamstress who lovingly sewed clothes for her daughters, including special occasion dresses and even a wedding gown. Her talent led her to briefly run a small wedding dress business, sewing gowns for local brides. An avid golfer, Marilou embraced the game while living in The Villages, Florida, where she played regularly in leagues and with friends. She was also a member of a bowling league.

Known affectionately as the “Queen Bee,” Marilou thrived in social settings and had a way of bringing people together. Her determined spirit was well known, if she ever said, “We’ll see…,” her family knew she had already made up her mind. Later in life, Marilou found a strong sense of community at Allen Terrace. There, she created card nights, organized a Wii Bowling league, and played billiards every Monday. She cherished these connections and the friendships that grew from them. Marilou had a sweet tooth that included morning pastries and ice cream each night. A talented baker, she was especially known for her cherry pie, a favorite at Allen Terrace and family gatherings. A devoted sports fan, she enjoyed watching Tigers baseball, college football, and golf.

Time with her family was especially meaningful to her, whether playing cards, board games, or simply visiting. She adored her grandchildren, never missed a birthday, and often sent a card or a teddy bear so they’d know she was thinking of them. One of her favorite keepsakes was a digital photo frame, regularly updated by her family with pictures she treasured. Marilou was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend; she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Marilou is survived by her loving daughters, Janet (Donald) Moore, Nancy Haskell, Linda Minnich, and Sherri VanScoit; her grandchildren, Jennifer Haskell, Jason (Brianne) Haskell, Stacey (Tim) Schram, Allison (Steven) Perry, Stephanie (Joshua) Freschi, Ashley Moore, and Ryan Moore; her great grandchildren, Lia, Mikayla, Wyatt, Penelope, Peyton, and Oliver; her brother, Richard Woodruff; her sister-in-law, Lucille Woodruff; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; her granddaughter, Jessica Moore; her parents; 3 sisters and 6 brothers.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, August 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with a time of gathering beginning at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 777 W. Eight Mile Road, Northville. Rev. Sarah Wheatley will officiate the service. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Arlington Cemetery in Arlington, Ohio on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Special Olympics Michigan, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859, or First United Methodist Church - Youth Missions, 777 W. Eight Mile Rd., Northville, MI 48167.