Marilyn Ann Pape

Marilyn was born August 2, 1935, in St. Joseph, MO, to Jane and Bohumir Vavra. Marilyn and her mother moved to Tulsa, OK when her father enlisted in WWII, later attending and graduating from Tulsa Central High School. Marilyn resided in Oklahoma for the rest of her life.

She attended Stephens College in Columbia, MO as a freshman. After freshman year at Stephens, she transferred and graduated University of Oklahoma in 1957, Magna Cum Laude. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and post graduation continued to support the Norman Pi Phi chapter for decades.

Marilyn married a fellow OU alum, J. Richard Kunkel, residing in Norman. She was a founder and director of Planned Parenthood of Cleveland County.

Upon divorce from Richard, Marilyn and her three children moved to Edmond. While raising teenagers, she also served as a volunteer for many community organizations and charities.

She volunteered locally at church, for various elections and campaigns, and animal shelters. She spent many hours fostering and finding homes for rescue dogs. She was instrumental in getting cock fighting outlawed in Oklahoma. She had a deep love for wildlife and domesticated animals.

Marilyn held office in the OKC League Investors Club, local PEO chapter and was a member of several bridge clubs. She was a financial patron to local and national charities.

Marilyn traveled all over the world, visiting nearly 80 countries, with multiple visits to Africa, Europe, Asia and Antarctica. On trips, her skills as a photographer grew and she came home with amazing and award-winning Kodak photos.

Marilyn is survived by; son J. Michael Kunkel (Colleen Cleary), daughter Shelley Kunkel Bennett (Matt Bennett), and Blake Kunkel. Grandchildren Taylor Kunkel, Hunter Kunkel, Jared Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher and Nicole Bennett.

A memorial will be held at 11am, December 19, 2024 at Baggerly Funeral Home, 930 S Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034. The following Day, December 20, 11am, a grave site informal committal service will be held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at 5111 S. Memorial Drive, Tulsa, OK 74145.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the ASPCA, WORLD WILDLIFE FUND or PLANNED PARENTHOOD.