Marilyn Lanning

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dearly loved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and niece, Marilyn B. Lanning. She was a talented nurse, a dedicated friend, and a light in so many lives. The song is ended, but the melody lingers on.

Marilyn Kay (Bottomstone) Lanning, 76, of Houston, TX, passed away on January 7, 2026. Born in Corpus Christi, TX, on November 24, 1949, Marilyn was the devoted wife of Larry Thomas Lanning (1945-2023) and mother of Joseph Thomas Lanning, Kathryn Genelle Lanning Herman, and David William Lanning. She was mother-in-law of Theodore Robert Herman and grandmother to Jacob Thomas Lanning, Jaxon Reese Lanning, Payton Janelle Lanning, Mykah Shae Lanning, and David Michael Lanning. She is survived by sisters Nanci (David) Hewitt and Sherry (Odis) Lanphier, her aunt Jo Black Pelton, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her husband, sister Jan Bottomstone Hickey, sister-in-law D’Juana Gail Lanning, father Bert Arnold Bottomstone, mother Louise Genelle Black Frugé, and stepfather Lloyd Frugé.

Marilyn was born on Thanksgiving Day 1949, surprising the family and upsetting their plans for the holiday feast. Mari Kay, as she was called by her father, was the third of four daughters and the only one with dark brunette hair and deep brown eyes. Her mother, Genelle, was a typist and secretary, and her father, Bert, was an aviation metalsmith for the Corpus Christi Army Depot. Marilyn was an active child and enjoyed being outside playing with the neighbor kids. She loved the water, whether it was a lake, river, or the ocean. A lifelong baseball fan, Marilyn loved to watch the Yankees and her favorite player was Mickey Mantle. As a child, she showed natural talent for first aid and a passion for medicine. She often practiced wrapping Ace bandages on her pet kitties. She dearly loved her sisters and enjoyed an especially close relationship with her younger sister, Nanci.

As a student, Marilyn excelled academically. She participated in a multitude of clubs and often held leadership roles. She was president of both the Mary Carroll High School Red Cross Club and All-City Red Cross Council. A gifted writer, Marilyn was a contributor to the school paper, editor of the yearbook, and member of the Quill and Scroll club. She received the Distinguished Service to Humanity Award, the Youth Leadership Scholarship, and a letter of commendation from President Lyndon Johnson in 1967. After high school, Marilyn went to Texas Women’s University to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1972. At TWU, Marilyn met many wonderful people and developed lifelong friendships. One of the most enduring was with Kathryn (Goeke) Buck, her roommate and her daughter’s namesake. The women would remain close throughout their lives as they started careers, married, raised children, and became grandmothers.

Marilyn met the love her life, Larry, while she was completing her clinical work in the Texas Medical Center. One night, her friends set her up on a blind date with a man who played in the band at a local honkytonk. Unfortunately for him, he was onstage that night and it meant Marilyn was alone for most of the evening. Larry spotted the gorgeous brunette with the long, curly hair and swooped in. They danced all night and he swept her off her feet. Marilyn said there were many things she loved about Larry, but she most admired Larry’s intelligence and his love of learning. He always admired her determination, grace under pressure, and gentle compassion. The two of them enjoyed many activities together, like dancing, boating, and camping. They even rode motorcycles together. Larry had always enjoyed sports, but it was Marilyn who was a true fanatic, especially for baseball. They attended many Astros games over the years. They also loved volleyball, soccer, football, etc., and could be entertained watching anything from peewee to college to professional leagues. On August 25, 1973, Larry and Marilyn married in an intimate ceremony in Lake Jackson. Only the minister and their friends Curtis and Kathy Buck were present.

Marilyn and Larry struggled for years with infertility. She underwent multiple procedures so that they could have the family they wanted with all their hearts. God heard their prayers and blessed them with three children: Joseph, Kathryn, and David. As a mother, Marilyn was dedicated to her family. It was not good enough for her family to be okay – she wanted them happy and thriving. Her love, compassion, and determination went in to overdrive, making sure that her family had everything they needed and every ability to succeed. Larry and Marilyn made sure their children were educated and well rounded. They took them to scouts, dance lessons, gymnastics, soccer, swim team, band, choir, etc. They worked hard to show the children the joy and satisfaction that comes from a job well done. They taught their children that they were capable of amazing things. The family made wonderful memories together through road trips, activities, and plenty of togetherness. When Marilyn became a grandmother, her love grew tenfold and she relished spending time with her newest favorite people. She was very proud of her sons and the fathers they had become.

Marilyn was a life-long animal lover. Over the years, she had many dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, and rabbits. Her daughter and son-in-law now have her parrots Lucy and Chico, and her beloved orange tabby, Gato. Marilyn loved to read. Her favorite authors included James Patterson, Janet Evanovich, Jan Karon, and Sue Grafton. She loved television game shows, medical dramas like ER and EMERGENCY, as well as procedurals like BLUE BLOODS, ROOKIE BLUE, and NCIS. She loved action movies like LEATHAL WEAPON and DIE HARD just as much as she loved romances like GONE WITH THE WIND and tear-jerkers like STEEL MAGNOLIAS. Her favorite movie was the comedy THE GREAT OUTDOORS starring John Candy. She and the family watched that movie countless times. Marilyn enjoyed many crafts, such as crochet, painting ceramics, art, and puzzles. She was also an avid shopper with the patience and skill to find bargains wherever she went.

As we say farewell to a beloved woman, the family would like to thank everyone for their support and love during this difficult time. Marilyn Lanning’s life on earth has ended, but her memory will live on in our hearts. She is no longer here; she has gone home to her Heavenly Father. Please remember to cherish the good times. Speak words of love often. Remember that you are a beloved child of God and that you are capable of great things. Marilyn knew this and we hope you do, too.

A visitation will be held on January 28, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Katy Funeral Home, located at 23350 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, TX 77494.

The funeral service will follow at the same location from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.

Marilyn was a resident of Houston, Texas.