Marilou Watson Staples, 99, of Dunedin, went home to the Lord on Thursday, November 13, 2025. A native of Danville, California and a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, she had resided in the Tampa area since 1953. She was a multi-skilled homemaker, master gardener, seamstress, and master baker. As a founding member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, she helped establish the women ministries, writing some of their biblical studies based on homemaker skills, wrote the initial church newsletters, kept the church histories, planned the first women retreats, and served in many ways. She enjoyed participating in Bible Study Fellowship for many years, both as a participant and leader. Her outlook on life is best summed up with her final statement in her autobiography, “I am trusting in God and His plan for me and His Grace is sufficient!” She is survived by her daughter, Laurie Staples, her son John Staples, her daughter-in–law Sandie Staples, cousin Sue Fields, and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be conducted at Grace Presbyterian Community Church in Palm Harbor at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 20, 2025, with the family receiving friends following the service. She will be inurned at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL, beside her husband John of 59 years, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Metropolitan Ministries, 2002 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, Florida.
Previous Events
Memorial Service
20
Nov
2255 Nebraska Avenue
Palm Harbor, FL 34683
A reception will follow.
Cemetery Details
Location
6502 S.W. 102nd Avenue
Bushnell, FL 33513
