Marilyn Gay passed away peacefully April 19, 2021, in Dallas, Texas. She had just celebrated her 88th birthday in late March. She was able to spend time with family on the day before her passing.
Born Marilyn Roberta Schilling March 31, 1933, to Earl Robert Schilling and Edna Gunderson Schilling in New Holstein, Wisconsin, Marilyn graduated from New Holstein High School in 1950. She began her college education at Central State Teacher’s College in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, before transferring to the University of Wisconsin – Madison for her final two years. She earned her degree in clothing, textile and merchandising from UW – Madison. At a time when very few women attended college, much less graduated, Marilyn’s accomplishments in her schooling were even more impressive.
After graduating, Marilyn met Howard Noyce Gay, who was stationed in Stevens Point in the Army’s audit agency. The couple would be married January 7, 1956, in New Holstein, and were happily wed for 61 years until Howard’s death in 2017. The couple continued to celebrate Valentine’s Day February 13 every year because it was the night they met. They were proud of their children, Daniel, Steven and Laura.
After their marriage, Marilyn and Howard moved to Wichita Falls and Dallas before settling in Garland, Texas to raise their family. Marilyn helped Howard with his CPA firm for 17 years. The two were active in their church community throughout their lives, joining Axe Memorial United Methodist Church, where Marilyn taught children Sunday school and eventually served as the director of their day school for seven years. Also very musical, Marilyn loved to play the organ and sing in the church’s choir. She belonged to the Dallas Recorder Society, played hammer dulcimer and her favorite, the folk harp. She was also the copy editor for the Folk Harp Journal. Marilyn’s grandchildren have fond memories of playing harp and recorder in their grandparents’ living room.
Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, brother Paul Schilling and her husband Howard. She is survived by her children Daniel (Cindy) Gay, Steven (Kim) Gay and Laura (Stephen) Gowdy, as well as her grandchildren, Kristen Gowdy and Kevin Gowdy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in her name be made to the music fund at Axe Memorial United Methodist Church.
Memorial services will be held at Axe Memorial United Methodist Church in Garland, Friday, May 21, at 1 p.m.