Marilyn Von Gonten

Marilyn von Gonten, age 77, of Kerrville, TX, passed away on June 29, 2020. Due to the progression of her dementia, she spent the last year of her life in the Brookshire Residency and Rehabilitation Center in Brookshire, TX.

The first child of Joyous Marion Weisenburg (née Gamble) and Harold John Weisenburg, Marilyn Joyous Weisenburg was born on February 14, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan.

After graduating from high school, Marilyn attended the Walsh Institute of Accountancy for a year and then joined the United States Marine Corps. She served on Active Duty from 1963-64 and in the Reserves from 1974-79, where she obtained the rank of Sergeant.

Marilyn married David Hibbard Owen in June 1964, and had three sons (Daniel, Darren, and Duane). They divorced in 1974.

Marilyn met her 2nd husband, Charles von Gonten, while in the Reserves on 2-week maneuvers in the Mojave Desert. They married in May 1977 in Texas.

Marilyn worked from 1977-81 in the Demurrage/Loss Control area for Shell Oil Company and from 1985-87 in the Demurrage/Retains-on-Board area for Jahre Shipping in Houston, TX. Not only did Chuck work at Shell, he too had three children from a previous marriage (Scott, Keith, and Shannon), and the whole family enjoyed hunting in Big Wells, TX, and staying at the Heidelberg Lodges and tubing on the Comal River in New Braunfels, TX.

As Marilyn relished learning new things, she read books, took classes, and volunteered in several groups. She completed a basic sailing class at the Watergate Yachting Center in Kemah, TX, sculled with the Greater Houston Rowing Club, participated as a mock juror at the University of Houston, and volunteered as a docent at the Houston Zoo.

Although Marilyn and Chuck divorced in September 1989, Chuck was a wonderful influence in all the boys’ lives and they continue to look up to him today.

Marilyn met her 3rd husband, Orvel Clayton Perkins, and married him in December 1990. OC had two children from a previous marriage (Claire and Ryan.) Marilyn and OC enjoyed country-western dancing, shopping at flea-markets, and traveling to the “TX Hill Country.” While married to OC, Marilyn was a Real Estate Agent for several years. She worked for Realty Associates and Gary Greene Realtors, both in Houston, TX, and went by the moniker of “Sgt Mom.” Her vivacious personality, continuing education, and professional development helped her sell properties.

After OC passed away in December 2004, Marilyn decided to move to Kerrville, TX. She lived with her cats in a home on a creek, in an over 55 community. Her wrap-around porch allowed her to watch the ducks and deer, which she did on a daily basis. She remained in the Scenic Valley subdivision until last summer, at which point her doctors at the Michael DeBakey VA determined she required 24-hour care.

Marilyn moved to the Brookshire Residency and Rehabilitation Center in June 2019, where she started eating three healthy meals a day, undergoing physical therapy, and participating in social activities. Her steady improvement was the result of a warm and caring staff, nurses, and aides for their help in making her transition to the nursing home an easy one. Special acknowledgement to Jill Frey, Chuck Grisson, and Buddy Morvent for all their assistance.

Additional kudos to the Brookshire Family Council members. This small group was comprised of a very special bunch of people who volunteered their time, energy, and money to assist the residents in monthly birthday celebrations and festive holiday parties.

Marilyn is survived by her three sons: Daniel Owen (Tamera Treadwell) of Katy, TX; Darren Owen (Tricia) of Kingwood, TX; and Duane Owen of Houston, TX; and her sister, Heather Hancock (Benny) of Dearborn, MI. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Spencer, Seth and Lauren Owen of Kingwood, TX.

A memorial service will be held on July 13th, from 1-4 p.m. at the Dignity/Kingwood Funeral Home at 22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, TX; however, only immediate family is invited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in memory of Marilyn von Gonten to one of the two following charities: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.ASPCA.org/donate) or Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 (www.DementiaSociety.org/donate)