Marilyn Annette Cerf

Marilyn Annette Cerf

January 1, 1949 – October 18, 2025

Marilyn Annette Cerf, 76, of Rialto, California, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born on New Year’s Day in 1949 in Upland, California, she was the youngest of five children of Beatrice Maude Johnson and Edward Johnson.

After graduating from Chaffey High School in Ontario in 1967 and attending San Diego City College, Marilyn began a 41-year career as an optometric assistant in Ontario, working with Dr. John Rossi and Dr. Glenn Robson. Known for her kindness, reliability, and welcoming spirit, she touched countless lives and earned deep respect for her dedication. She believed in the enduring values of honesty, fairness, and integrity, and took pride in reconnecting with families and friends from the community she loved.

She first married Dennis Rusich, with whom she had two children she cherished deeply, Christine and Ryan. Later she found enduring love with Frank George, her partner of 18 years and husband until his passing in 1998. In 2001 she married Andy Cerf, her devoted husband and companion for 24 years.

From San Diego to Ontario and Rialto, Marilyn was a pillar of strength who faced life’s challenges with quiet resilience. She was beautiful inside and out, with radiant charisma and warmth. Those who knew her will always remember the twinkle in her eye and the comforting smile that made everyone feel at home.

A devoted mother, she placed her children above all else. She was her daughter’s most steadfast friend and her son’s biggest supporter, speaking with him nearly every day and offering encouragement and laughter. Her grandson Nicholas was the apple of her eye and her greatest joy.

A gifted craftswoman, Marilyn created beautiful keepsakes and holiday mementos for family and friends. She ensured every relative received a hand-wrapped Christmas gift with her trademark precision, impeccable style, and flair. She loved decorating her home for every holiday and kept a sweet tradition of chocolate-covered strawberries and candies from Logan’s in Ontario for those closest to her.

She adored Disneyland, Tinker Bell, and hummingbirds, symbols of the joy and whimsy she carried in her heart. A wonderful cook, she prepared holiday meals with love and never let anyone leave without a plate to take home.

Marilyn is survived by her loving husband, Andy Cerf; her beloved children, Christine Rusich and Ryan Rusich; and her cherished grandson, Nicholas Quanstrom. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Beatrice and Edward Johnson; her husband, Frank George; and her siblings, Paulette, Verdelle, Joanne, and Gerald.

Marilyn’s love, generosity, and unwavering spirit will live on in all who knew her. We were blessed to have her in our lives and honored to call her Mom. She was, and will always remain, a gift.

Funeral Service: Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., Draper Mortuary, 811 North Mountain Avenue, Ontario, California.

Interment: 11:30 a.m., Bellevue Memorial Park, 1240 East G Street, Ontario, California.

Flowers may be sent to Draper Mortuary at (909) 986-1131.