Marilyn Pendergast was born on May 7th, 1930 to Maynard Clifford Wheeler and Wilbie McDaniel Wheeler. She was born in Terre Haute, Indiana and always remained faithful to her hometown and the surrounding community.
Marilyn attended Garfield High School and went on to Indiana University to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English. She became the owner and president of Woodburn Graphics where she remained for 23 years. While being part of Woodburn Graphics, Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce awarded Pendergast’s company the Small Business Award in 2008.
She married Donald P. Pendergast, who passed away in 1986, and they had four children together whose names include Mary, Donald, Carol and James. At the time of her passing, Marilyn and Donald Pendergast had been blessed with twelve grandchildren whose names are Claire, Erin, Jack, James, Jenny, Lindsay, Mallory, Mary Ann, Megan, Paul, Peter and Sara.
Marilyn Pendergast was actively involved within the community that she called home. She gave her time to many different businesses where she served on the Board of Directors, including the Sheldon Swope Art Museum, Union Hospital Foundation, Visiting Nurse Association and Indiana State University, just to name a few.
Marilyn passed away at the age of 78 on March 25, 2009 at the Indiana University Medical Center. Although she may be gone physically, her legacy will live on for generations to come because of her caring personality and generous actions.
Grants from the Marilyn Wheeler Pendergast Fund for Indiana State University are to support Indiana State University’s Department of Marketing. The fund provides scholarships to students from Vigo County who are enrolled in the marketing program at Indiana State University.
Eligibility requires that:
- Indiana State University Department of Marketing
(To apply contact Indiana State University.)
