Marilyn was born in Wichita and raised in the Riverside Neighborhood with her 12 siblings. She attended St. Mary's until her junior year, when she then transferred to Wichita North High School. After her graduation, she worked in Wichita for a time until meeting and marrying her husband, Bob Dilla, an airman at McConnell. Marilyn and Bob moved around the country after their marriage along with their growing family, eventually settling and moving back home to Wichita.
Marilyn's sharp wit and comedic nature are things we will all treasure forever. After 58 years together, Bob doesn't remember Marilyn ever putting herself before anyone. She always gave so much love and respect to everyone whom she met. Marilyn spent many years working in HR at several different companies where she helped a countless amount of people.
During her free time, Marilyn enjoyed many different interests. She loved to go dancing, sharing many times at the Moose with her parents; then in her later years, she liked to go to the casinos, hosting fun parties, playing bridge, crossword puzzles, playing bingo, and traveling. Marilyn had so many different talents that the family all enjoyed. She created so many different pies and cakes, where she put her own magic touch on everything. Without a doubt, her world was revolved around her family, where she absolutely loved and adored her daughters, grandkids, and great-grandkids.
She is preceded in death by: her parents, Fred and Ruby Abel; her sisters, Judy & Connie; and her brother, Chris.
She is survived by: her loving husband of 56 years, Bob; her children, Tammi Joseph, Traci (Ed) Just and Heather (Scott) Johnson; her grandchildren, Matt, Donovan, Hallie, Eddie, Patrick, Ben, Nick, Eowyn & Lily; along with her great-grandchildren, Remi, River & Libby.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. on Friday, October 4, 2024.
Funeral Service will be held 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 5, 2024, both at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209, with Rev. Aaron Spexarth officiating. Cremation will follow the services with inurnment at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with: St. Jude Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
