Marilyn M. Oakley

Marilyn Ruth (Martens) Oakley, 86 of City by the Sea, passed away Sunday, January 27, 2013 in Aransas Pass, Texas. Marilyn was born on February 22, 1926 in Glen Rock, New Jersey to Elmer C. and Margaret (Fisher) Martens.

She graduated from Ridgewood High School and then attended Barbizon School of Modeling. Marilyn worked at Lederle Laboratory before being united in marriage to Stephen M. Oakley, the love of her life, on September 6, 1947 in Glen Rock, New Jersey. They relocated to Houston, Texas where she was a loving and devoted homemaker, mother and grandmother. In 1974 they relocated to Clear Lake Shores where Marilyn opened a travel agency in Seabrook, Texas. Marilyn loved cooking and sewing for her family, bowling and playing cards, and traveling throughout North America in their motor coach. After many years of traveling, they moved to the coastal plain area where they currently resided. She loved the water and boating, and was Captain Steve’s First Mate on all boats they owned. It cannot go without saying she thought she threw the ropes better than any of her daughters. Marilyn was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Ingleside, Texas.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer & Margaret Martens, and her son, Stephen Martens Oakley. She is survived by her husband, Stephen of 65 years, and four daughters, Debbie and Jim Harris of Wichita Falls, Cynthia and the late John Foxworth of Shepherd, Robin and Jimmy Bunch of Giddings, and Lisa and Skip Swackhamer of Huntsville. Surviving grandchildren include Stephen and Denise Harris of Comanche, OK., Trevor and Abby Harris of Carlsbad, CA., Jennifer and Arthur Sengstock of Humble, Royce and Ariana Foxworth of Livingston, Erica and Josh Haag of Shepherd, Travis and Courtney Placke of Willow Park, Garrett and Michelle Placke of Houston, Kelsey Townsell of Huntsville, Andrew Townsell of Austin, and Robert Swackhamer of Huntsville. Great-grandchildren include Ashtyn, Garrett, Josey, and Cain Harris of Comanche, OK., Celia Sengstock of Humble, Alexis, Charlize, Brianna, and Darlynn Foxworth of Livingston, JJ and Emma Haag of Shepherd, James and Bailey Placke of Willow Park, and Keely Swackhamer of Huntsville. Also Cynthia Foxworths special friend, Gary McGinnis. Marilyn had one surviving brother, Elmer C. Martens, Jr. and wife, Theresa, of Oakland, New Jersey.

Serving as pallbearers will be Stephen Harris, Trevor Harris, Royce Foxworth, Travis Placke, Garrett Placke, Andrew Townsell, and Robert Swackhamer.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 3:00 pm at Forest Park East Funeral Home located at 21620 Gulf Freeway in Webster, Texas. The Rev. Tony Vinson will be officiating with burial immediately following. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 from 1:30 pm until 3:00 pm at Forest Park East Funeral Home Chapel.