Marilyn Fay Rehg

Marilyn Fay Rehg died on November 21, 2024, of congestive heart failure. Marilyn was born in Mt. Vernon, IL on September 6, 1933, to Russell and Freda (Hester) Vanatta. She was their only child. Russell died in a farming accident before Marilyn’s first birthday. Raised by her single widowed mother, Marilyn had a challenging childhood and lived for extended periods with her paternal grandparents while her mother worked in St. Louis to financially support her.

Marilyn moved to St. Louis after high school to become a nurse. While working in the emergency room, she had met Paul, a young dental student who injured his thumb and “needed” the pretty ER nurse to soak it and change the dressings every day. Paul and Marilyn were married in June 1958. A year later, Paul graduated from dental school, joined the Air Force and the young couple had their first child. They built a beautiful life raising their family and traveling the world. After growing up in a small farming town, Marilyn thrived as an Air Force wife with stops in Texas, Kansas, Michigan, California, Maine, and Germany.

As an only child, Marilyn dreamed of a house full of children. Her dream came true: she and Paul had 5 children, 7 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. For more than 60 years she attended Little League games, school performances, first communions, confirmations, graduations, etc. that she could for three generations of her family. And on each occasion, she fed her clan with favorite meals and homemade desserts. She was a fantastic cook and an even better baker.

In addition to cooking, Marilyn enjoyed traveling and visiting with friends. She also was devoted to the San Diego Padres and every year dreamed of their first World Series win.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband Paul who died in 2019 of Alzheimer’s Disease. She is survived by her children Liz (Mark) Leyba, Leslie Rehg, Tim (Dahlia) Rehg, Kelly (Terry) Faley, and Doug Rehg; her grandchildren Ryan (Courtnee) Leyba, Lindsay (Padrum) Panbechi, Aidan Faley, Zane Faley, Jonah Rehg, Zachary Rehg and Sela Rehg; and great-grandchildren Evan, Grace, Nora and Conor Leyba and Kayan, Kamran and Adileh Panbechi.

Marilyn was happiest when surrounded by her family. Her five children were with her during her last weeks of life.

A funeral mass will be held on December 20 at 10:30 am at San Rafael Catholic Church at 17252 Bernardo Center Drive in Rancho Bernardo (San Diego) followed by a reception at the Hilton Garden Inn, located next to the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association or the National Alzheimer’s Association.