Marilyn Diane Raydon

Born on August 9, 1948, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Marilyn graduated from Hot Springs High School, where she was very active in clubs and also captain of the cheerleading squad. She remained lifelong friends with her dear classmates, Sandra and Susan, friendships she cherished throughout her life.

Marilyn married her high school sweetheart, Richard Parker, in April 1967, and together they had two children. In February 1991, she married Max Raydon, with whom she shared many happy years until his passing in 2015.

Marilyn spent her career working for Safeway in Oklahoma, where her hard work and leadership led her to become the first female store manager in 1975. She took pride in everything she did and earned the respect of everyone who knew her through her intelligence, determination, and caring nature.

With a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor that could brighten any room, Marilyn always had a smile on her face and never met a stranger. She was kind to everyone she encountered and had a special gift for making people feel welcome, loved, and valued. To her family, she was not only beautiful inside and out but also the smartest person they knew.

She enjoyed watching police dramas, quilting, eating sweets, and spending time with the people she loved most. She was a doting grandmother to Danielle, Eric, Ashley, and Russell; she found tremendous joy in being a great-grandmother to Rhett and Murphy, who brought endless smiles to her face.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Imogene Breckenridge; her husband, Max Raydon; her sister, Ginger Breckenridge; and her niece, Sarah Bennett.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Rick Parker and Sandra Parker Crawford; her stepchildren, Ron Raydon (Diane) and Russ Raydon (Tammy); her grandchildren, Danielle Lewis, Eric Humpert, Ashley Raydon, and Russell Raydon; her great-grandchildren, Rhett and Murphy Lewis; her sister, Melissa Speer; and her nieces, Brandi Rasdon and April Dickey.

Marilyn was deeply loved and will be missed more than words can express. Her family will carry her memory, her laughter, and her love with them for the rest of their lives.

A service celebrating Marilyn’s life will be held at a later date.