Marilyn Jean Richardson

Born in Mansfield, Ohio, on the 28th of March 1937, Marilyn lived a life marked by love, grace, and strength. She was married to the love of her life, Frank Harrison Richardson, for sixty-five wonderful years, until his passing in November 2023. Together, they raised two children—Stacey Richardson and Scott Richardson—and built a life full of adventure, devotion, and enduring friendship.

Marilyn was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family above all else. She was a loving grandmother to Andrew Roth and the late Becca Roth, and a proud great-grandmother to Holden Roth. She is also survived by her brothers, Mike Duff and Bobby Duff.

A proud homemaker, Marilyn played an extraordinary role not only within her family, but also in her husband’s successful career. While Frank rose to become CEO of Shell Oil Company, Marilyn was his partner in every sense—outgoing, socially gifted, and full of warmth. Her grace and confidence helped ease every move and every corporate transition, from New Jersey to London to Los Angeles to Houston. Where Frank was quiet and modest, Marilyn brought the spark, the hospitality, and the ease that helped forge lifelong friendships and build community in every city. Together, they were a remarkable team—and her contribution to his success cannot be overstated.

Her joy was contagious, her smile ever-present, and her kindness unwavering. She never had a bad word to say about anyone and made everyone around her feel welcome and valued. Marilyn loved to spoil her children and grandchildren, and found immense happiness during family gatherings at their treasured vacation home in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Holidays, summers, and long weekends were filled with laughter, card games, and cherished memories with friends and family. Marilyn and Frank especially loved going to the Jockey Club at Ruidoso Downs to watch and bet on their quarter horses, a shared passion that brought them great joy and many lasting friendships.

Though she faced significant health challenges for much of her adult life, Marilyn never let them define her. She handled each day with quiet strength, a positive spirit, and a sense of humor that endured to the very end.

She loved to cook, play tennis in her early years, and later became an avid bridge and Texas Hold 'em player. Friday night card games with close friends—Kezi and John Kamp, Tommie and Bill Booker, Dorothy and Howard Homeyer, Diane and Bill Kephart, Fred and Barbie Billings, and Joan and Steve Kemble—were among her favorite traditions.

Marilyn was deeply grateful for the loving care she received, especially from her longtime caregiver of twenty-five years, Tabatha Hopkins; Angela Robinson, who cared for her with love and devotion for seventeen years; and Marie Temple, who lovingly looked after her during cherished summers in Ruidoso. She also shared a very special friendship with Kezi Kamp, who brought joy, comfort, and companionship in her later years. Dr. Jim Killian, her trusted physician and friend for more than forty years, was also a constant source of support.

Marilyn and Frank were devoted supporters of MS research and helped establish the Baylor/Methodist MS Center through their family foundation. She was also a longtime member of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, where she volunteered actively before her health declined.

Marilyn had a deep love for music—especially the voices of Dionne Warwick, The Carpenters, and Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass. That music filled the car on long road trips to tennis tournaments with her children in the 1970s, creating memories that still echo today.

A private family service was held to celebrate her life. Marilyn is now in Heaven, reunited with Frank—the love of her life—and their beloved granddaughter Becca.

Marilyn Jean Richardson will be remembered for her radiant spirit, unwavering kindness, and unshakable love for her family. She lived with grace, courage, and a beautiful heart—and her legacy will live on in all those who had the privilege to know her.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family suggests two of the many charitable organizations that Marilyn generously supported through the years: Baylor College of Medicine or Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church by selecting their respective icons below under “Donations."

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with her family by selecting the "Add a Memory" icon below.