Marilyn Ann Ziegler

Marilyn was born to Samuel and Aggie Mae Hill Chamberlain on July 24, 1940, and was raised in the Chattanooga area. She graduated from Central High School in 1957, a year early, demonstrating early on her determination and strong spirit.

Marilyn worked as a secretary in the accounting department at Combustion Engineering and later served for many years as a unit clerk and medical secretary at Memorial Hospital. Marilyn was a woman of faith who was deeply devoted to her husband, the love of her life, Earl Ziegler Jr. They married August 2, 1957, and together they built a family that became her greatest pride and joy.

Marilyn was strong-willed, passionate, and unforgettable. She carried herself with determination and lived life on her own terms. While she experienced profound hardship, including the tragic loss of both her parents in a car accident at a young age, she continued to show up for her family in the ways she knew how. Those who knew her best remember her as someone who loved hard and treasured her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother above all else.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her loving husband, Earl H. Ziegler Jr., with whom she shared 68 wonderful years of marriage, partnership, and devotion. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Aggie Mae Hill Chamberlain; her brother, Glenn Chamberlain; her sister, Peggy Ivester; her brother-in-law, Tommy Ziegler, and his wife, Elaine; and her sister-in-law, Jo Ziegler.

She is survived by her children, Steve Ziegler (wife Laurie) and Debra McGhee (husband Tom). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Katie Cox (husband Robert), Caroline Reeves (husband Todd), Kelsey Johns (husband Hunter), and Garrett McGhee (wife Taylor). Marilyn was a proud and loving great-grandmother to Cash Reeves, Bailey Reeves, Evah Reeves, Ariah Cox, and Bode Johns, all of whom affectionately called her “Mimi” and brought her immense joy and pride.

She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Cathy Chamberlain; her brothers-in-law, Alan Ziegler (wife Sherry) and Joe Ziegler; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was a devoted member of Ridgedale Baptist Church and an active participant in both The Covenant Class and The Friendship Sunday School classes. She and Earl cherished the lifelong friendships they formed through these groups and found great joy and fellowship within their church community.

Marilyn will be remembered for her faith and her unwavering pride in her family. Her life, with all its chapters, remains a testament to enduring love and resilience, and her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

She leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and countless memories shared with those she held dear. The family takes comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her beloved husband and is at peace.

A private family service officiated by Dr. Doug Plumlee will be held to honor her memory. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at The Bridge at Ooltewah and Hearth Hospice for their compassionate care and support. Your kindness and dedication brought comfort and peace during her final days, and we are forever grateful for the gentle hands and warm hearts that surrounded her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Ridgedale Baptist Church. We are forever grateful for the love and memories she gave us. She will be lovingly remembered and is now at peace in the presence of our Lord.

Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com