Marlyn Vera Wilkinson, 88 passed peacefully in her home in Vancouver, WA on November 9, 2024. She died of natural causes and was surrounded by her family in a beautiful expression of love as she made her final journey.

Marlyn was born on October 8, 1936 in St. Louis, Missouri to Wilfred and Leona Gangloff.  She grew up in Arnold, Missouri where her ancestors were some of the original founders of the town, something she was very proud of. She attended grade school at Immaculate Conception church in Arnold, and high school at The School Sisters of Notre Dame in St. Louis.  Her parents owned a restaurant and bar (Gangloffs Restaurant) for a time in the 1950's where teenagers would come in for hamburgers and sodas.  There, she met her future husband Joseph Wilkinson.  They married in 1956 at Immaculate Conception church and were blessed with two beautiful children Julianne (1957) and Michael (1958). Tragedy struck their lives though when both Julianne and Michael passed away in a car accident late 1958.  Their love for each other and their faith in God allowed them to heal and they had four more children.

Marlyn started working right after high school and was a full charge bookkeeper her entire life, working until the age of 75.  She loved to bowl and joined several leagues that kept her busy several nights a week until age and arthritis forced her to give it up.  Her family and friends were avid card/game players and spent countless hours at the kitchen table playing Pinochle, Blitz or Poker and Yahtzee.  Later in life she enjoyed reading (a LOT!) and spending quality time with her family. She loved Disneyland and went many times with her family.

Marlyn was a devout Catholic who never missed Mass. When she became house-bound she watched the Mass every day on EWTN, said the Rosary every day and received Communion every Friday from a nice lady named Maryanne who came to the house. She was a charitable person who gave each month to her favorite charity St. Jude's Children's Hospital as well as her church and to the Sisters of Notre Dame.

She is survived by her children: Tamara Soto (Xavier), Sheryl Keller, Kellie Wilkinson and Kevin Wilkinson (Linda); Grandchildren:  Jacqueline Healy, Brian Keller (Lindsey), Cassandra Bingham (Corbin),  Nicole Jefferson, David Keller (Amber), Julianne Keller, Ronnie Wilkinson (Cati), Jacob Luce; Great-Grandchildren: Brianna Tubbs, Peyton Tubbs, Madison Kind, Toby Kind, Daenerays Bingham, Allison Keller, Jayden Jefferson, Kaden Keller, Bailey Jefferson, Noah Keller, Wyatt Rosacker, Liam Rosacker, Adam Keller; Brother: Daniel Gangloff; Sister-in-law: Patsy McMillian and many, many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by Husband: Joseph Wilkinson; Children: Julianne Wilkinson, Michael Wilkinson; Grand-daughter: Natashia Luce; Parents: Wilfred and Leona Gangloff; Sister: Janet Warden; Brothers-in-law: Robert Wilkinson, George Wilkinson, William Wilkinson; Sisters-in-law: Mary Coleman and Verna Bartel. Not to forget her two beloved dogs Casper and Charlie and cat Smokey.

There will be two services :

Vancouver WA:
The Proto-Cathedral of St. James the Greater
218 W. 12th Street, Vancouver WA  98660
Thursday December 5, 2024
2:00 p.m. with reception following

Arnold MO:
Immaculate Conception Church
2300 Church Road, Arnold MO  63010
Friday December 13, 2024
Rosary: 10:30 a.m. led by Father Blessing
Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m.
Burial immediately following service in Immaculate Conception Cemetery

Reception following burial 12:30-2:30 p.m.
VFW Post 2593
2301 Church Road, Arnold MO  63010 (across the street from the church)