Marilyn Belle Tinder

May 3, 1927 - July 21, 2019

Bluefield, WV- Marilyn Belle Mustard Tinder, 92, of Bluefield, West Virginia, died Sunday, July 21, 2019, at Bluefield Regional Medical Center. She was born in Bluefield, West Virginia on May 3, 1927 and was the daughter of Chester Henry and Gladys Middleswart Mustard. Marilyn was a 1944 graduate of Beaver High School and attended Watts Hospital School of Nursing in Durham, North Carolina. Marilyn worked at the Bluefield Daily Telegraph in the advertising department for a brief time and Maggie Bennett, a boutique in Bluefield. Known for her sharp eye for style and fashion, she always turned heads wherever she went. Her elegant taste for entertaining was always done with impeccable grace. Cooking and creating beautiful menus for the many soirees she hosted was one of her favorite things to do. Her green thumb in gardening was always noticed by those attending her parties and neighbors as well. Later, she developed a love for reading and was consumed by every word on the page of even the thickest book. Marilyn, who always had a twinkle in her eyes, cherished the youthful years of her granddaughters, Jennie and Claire, while watching their many activities. Whether it be dance recitals, tennis tournaments, proms or vacations, her eyes twinkled brighter with the satisfaction of seeing them become beautiful, poised and educated young ladies. Always a strong community advocate, Marilyn donated her many talents to the Bluefield Area Arts and Crafts Center where she served on the board. She loved her city and always contributed to make Bluefield a wonderful place to live. She was a member of the East River Mountain Garden Club and Westminster Presbyterian Church. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of thirty-five years, W. Winfrey (Bud) Tinder, two sisters, Lola M. MacMillan, Doris M. Laws and her daughter, Marilyn Beth Lipton. Marilyn is survived by her devoted daughter, Cathy Y. Bailey and husband Jimmy of Bluefield, West Virginia, step-son, Frank C. Tinder and wife Kim of Bluefield, Virginia, step-daughter, Betsy T. Cardwell and husband Steve of Rocky Gap, Virginia, three granddaughters, Lauren Beth Lipton, Marilyn Jennie Ann Bailey, Caroline Elizabeth Claire Bailey, five step-grandchildren, Chris (Kaitlyn) Tinder, Scott Cardwell, Douglas (Katie) Tinder, Lindsey (Richie) Turman, Katie Tinder, and eight step-great-grandchildren. Marilyn also had two loving nieces, Carolyn L. (Larry) Morhous, Julie P. MacMillan, and loving nephew, David MacMillan and their father, Dan MacMillan who she admired greatly. The family would like to give special thanks to the compassionate staff at Westwood Medical Center for the wonderful care Marilyn received during her illness. Marilyn shared a heartfelt friendship with her step-daughter-in-law, Kim Tinder, who was always a source of encouragement during their years together. She was also well-attended by her devoted caregivers: Robin, Carol, Sandra, Gay and Deborah. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 26, 2019, with Pastor Doug McDaniel officiating. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. and the service will follow at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2005 Washington Street, Bluefield, West Virginia, 24701 and Bluefield Beautification Commission, 200 Rogers Street, Bluefield, West Virginia 24701. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Marilyn Belle Mustard Tinder.