Marilyn Lorriene Matheny

Marilyn was born in Blythe, California, a rural town along the Colorado River. Her parents were farmers so she and her sister spent much of their childhood in nature or caring for pets. Marilyn’s love of animals started then and would continue for the rest of her life. She attended high school at La Sierra Academy and college at Loma Linda University. It was at LLU she met her first husband, Glen, with whom she had two daughters. Although they divorced in 1975, they remained lifelong friends.

Marilyn worked as a Crime Pattern Analyst for the Riverside County Sheriffs Department, and while there she went on to earn her Associate Degree from Riverside City College before retiring in 1982. She also met her best friend and future husband, Robert Matheny. They married on August 8, 1988, and enjoyed biking, traveling in their motorhome and spending time with family. They lived in Arizona and Southern California before relocating to the Central Coast to be near family. Marilyn and Robert remained inseparable until his passing in 2012.

Following Robert’s death, Marilyn continued to live independently in Arroyo Grande, California near her daughters, Lavon and Cindy. Their weekly game nights, craft sessions and regular ‘thrifting’ excursions were a source of fun and a blessing to share.

Marilyn was always ready for an adventure, be it a social gathering, camp trip or joy ride to wherever the road might lead. She was active in her church and loved her church friends like family. She also had many friends in her mobile home park. She loved her pets and was never without a dog, each one adoring her more than the last. It was what defined her and made her happy.

Marilyn is survived by her daughters, Lavon Ochoa and Cindy Hansen, son-in-law George Hansen, stepson Philip Matheny, grandchildren Jeremy and Jessica, step-grandchildren Brian and Shannon, and great grandson Jameson.

She will be remembered for her fun-loving nature, caring heart and generous spirit.

Visitation will be held at Montecito Memorial Park & Mortuary, Cypress Chapel, 24145 Barton Road, Loma Linda, California 92354, on August 11, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

A Committal Service will be held at Montecito Memorial Park, 3520 E Washington St, Colton, CA 92324, US, on August 11, 2026, from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm.