Obituary for Marilyn Lavaun Chace
Marilyn Lavaun (Hearn) Chace, 87, passed from this life March 15, 2023. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 Monday, March 20, 2023 at the Strode Funeral Home Chapel with burial following in the Glenwood Cemetery. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.
Marilyn was born to Robert and Viola Marie (Lang) Hearn on May 18, 1935 in Marlow, Oklahoma. She lived the majority of her life in Stillwater and Perkins. She had one older brother Robert Lee Hearn who gave his life, fighting for our country, in the Korean War. Her father, Robert Hearn, was tragically killed in a train accident when Marilyn was an infant. Her mother remarried Wallace Dewitt "Dee" Wilkins, who raised the children as his own.
Marilyn was a strong woman who believed family should always be there for each other. She devoted her life to caring for her handicapped son Rusty, in her home, until November 2022 when she fell ill and was hospitalized. She also cared for her Mother Viola and Daughter Donna in her home. She honored their wishes to allow them to pass peacefully in the home, surrounded by their loved ones.
Marilyn was happiest when surrounded by her family, sharing meals together and giving out her big Grandma Marilyn hugs. She loved growing rose bushes and flowers, and prided herself in having pretty things in her yard. Her dog Booger was her pride and joy. They shared a very special bond. He brought her so much happiness.
She was a beautiful, kind soul who loved with her whole heart. She was the best Momma and Grandma. She was sweet, ornery and funny and had the sweetest smile. She made the best homemade biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, fried potatoes, chicken and dumplings, turkey and dressing, baked beans, and cherry crunch pie. She never needed a recipe. She could cook a meal made for a king. She's probably doing that now. Just being around her and eating the food she cooked made you feel better. She had a sweet tooth for donuts and sugary sweets. She said it's what makes her so sweet.
We were super blessed to have had her in our lives for almost 88 years. We would have loved many more. The world was a better place with her in it and we are quite sure Heaven is too! She will be missed so much and cherished by the precious memories we have of her. We find strength in knowing we will be reunited in Heaven. We are at peace knowing she is now fully healed and restored, reunited with our loved ones gone before her, and in the arms of Jesus. We know there is a beautiful reunion happening in Heaven right now.
We know your singing voice and your dancing legs are restored Momma. We know you're singing the Gospel and dancing in Heaven. We look forward to the day we join you. We love you to the moon and back, a million times and then some, Momma!
Marilyn is preceded in death by both parents; her stepfather W. Dee Wilkins; brother Robert Lee Hearn; daughter Donna Silkwood; her grandson Jimmy Lee Slavens Jr; her great great granddaughter Taylor Greenfield and her son-in-law Philip Ventris.
She is survived by her children Ronnie Wilkins and his wife Tammy, Bonnie Forester, Wallace "Rusty" Breeden, Barbara Ventris and husband Rick, Jeanie Ventris, Sonya Camren and husband Eric; her grandchildren Ronnie Wilkins Jr, Justin Wilkins, Casey Wilkins, Courtney Wilkins, Jayme Hilligoss, GayLee Atencio, Shanna Skinner, Amanda Baker, Regina McCoy, Michael Ventris, Dennis Ventris, Wade Longan, Stephanie Cook, Corey Ventris, Alan Ventris, Angelia Ventris, Sean Nelson II, and Kenzee Camren; many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren as well as her companion dog Booger.
If you asked Marilyn how many Grandchildren she had, she would smile, shake her head and tell you she has lost count. There really are that many. She loved each and every one of them and took pride in her large family.
Condolences may be emailed to the family and an online obituary may be viewed by visiting www.strodefh.com
Marilyn was born to Robert and Viola Marie (Lang) Hearn on May 18, 1935 in Marlow, Oklahoma. She lived the majority of her life in Stillwater and Perkins. She had one older brother Robert Lee Hearn who gave his life, fighting for our country, in the Korean War. Her father, Robert Hearn, was tragically killed in a train accident when Marilyn was an infant. Her mother remarried Wallace Dewitt "Dee" Wilkins, who raised the children as his own.
Marilyn was a strong woman who believed family should always be there for each other. She devoted her life to caring for her handicapped son Rusty, in her home, until November 2022 when she fell ill and was hospitalized. She also cared for her Mother Viola and Daughter Donna in her home. She honored their wishes to allow them to pass peacefully in the home, surrounded by their loved ones.
Marilyn was happiest when surrounded by her family, sharing meals together and giving out her big Grandma Marilyn hugs. She loved growing rose bushes and flowers, and prided herself in having pretty things in her yard. Her dog Booger was her pride and joy. They shared a very special bond. He brought her so much happiness.
She was a beautiful, kind soul who loved with her whole heart. She was the best Momma and Grandma. She was sweet, ornery and funny and had the sweetest smile. She made the best homemade biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, fried potatoes, chicken and dumplings, turkey and dressing, baked beans, and cherry crunch pie. She never needed a recipe. She could cook a meal made for a king. She's probably doing that now. Just being around her and eating the food she cooked made you feel better. She had a sweet tooth for donuts and sugary sweets. She said it's what makes her so sweet.
We were super blessed to have had her in our lives for almost 88 years. We would have loved many more. The world was a better place with her in it and we are quite sure Heaven is too! She will be missed so much and cherished by the precious memories we have of her. We find strength in knowing we will be reunited in Heaven. We are at peace knowing she is now fully healed and restored, reunited with our loved ones gone before her, and in the arms of Jesus. We know there is a beautiful reunion happening in Heaven right now.
We know your singing voice and your dancing legs are restored Momma. We know you're singing the Gospel and dancing in Heaven. We look forward to the day we join you. We love you to the moon and back, a million times and then some, Momma!
Marilyn is preceded in death by both parents; her stepfather W. Dee Wilkins; brother Robert Lee Hearn; daughter Donna Silkwood; her grandson Jimmy Lee Slavens Jr; her great great granddaughter Taylor Greenfield and her son-in-law Philip Ventris.
She is survived by her children Ronnie Wilkins and his wife Tammy, Bonnie Forester, Wallace "Rusty" Breeden, Barbara Ventris and husband Rick, Jeanie Ventris, Sonya Camren and husband Eric; her grandchildren Ronnie Wilkins Jr, Justin Wilkins, Casey Wilkins, Courtney Wilkins, Jayme Hilligoss, GayLee Atencio, Shanna Skinner, Amanda Baker, Regina McCoy, Michael Ventris, Dennis Ventris, Wade Longan, Stephanie Cook, Corey Ventris, Alan Ventris, Angelia Ventris, Sean Nelson II, and Kenzee Camren; many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren as well as her companion dog Booger.
If you asked Marilyn how many Grandchildren she had, she would smile, shake her head and tell you she has lost count. There really are that many. She loved each and every one of them and took pride in her large family.
Condolences may be emailed to the family and an online obituary may be viewed by visiting www.strodefh.com