Marilyn Wood Ortale

The daughter of Alver Blair Wood and Hazel McClure Wood, Marilyn was born May 13, 1936 — a twin to brother Merlyn — in Belinda, Iowa.

Marilyn grew up on her family’s farm and graduated from Chariton High School in 1952. She attended Iowa Teacher’s College and then went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Iowa.

She was married to Craig Ortale on June 22, 1958. Together they moved across several states, she began her beloved teaching career and had three children. They divorced in 1992 but remained close and dear friends until her passing.

In April 1995 she married Fred Whitcroft and lived in Bonita Springs, Florida until his death in 1999.

Marilyn — or ‘Mama’ as she was called by those who loved her best — always stayed busy!! She loved to clean, organize and sort ANYTHING — and there was no better, faster or more skilled person on any project! She kept an impeccable home, had an amazing sense of humor, adored her pets, neighbors and friends and loved her family fiercely.

Survivors include a daughter Gina Cullen and her husband Brent Benedetti of Jonesboro, GA; a son, Steven Ortale and his wife Krissy of Birmingham, MI; and another son Michael Ortale and his wife Robin of Atlanta, GA.

Marilyn also had eight grandchildren — Drew Cullen and Riley (Cullen) Garcia and her husband Miguel of Atlanta, GA; Carter Ortale of Birmingham, MI; Griffin Ortale of Chicago, IL; Kendall Ortale of New York, NY and Brooks Ortale, Bennett Ortale and Luke Ortale of Atlanta GA.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Cumalene Carroll of Jefferson City, Missouri (2016) and her twin brother, Merlyn Wood of Chariton, Iowa (2021).