Marilyn Kay (Ryan) Garitson, age 73, passed away on Thursday, June, 4, 2026 surrounded by her family as she took her last breath. She was born September 30, 1952 in Wichita, Kansas to Richard L. Ryan and Dauphine "Dee Dee" M. (Ebert) Ryan.
Marilyn is survived by her beloved husband, Paul Gariston; her son Donnie and Daughter-in-law, Trisha Roark; her daughter, Andrea and son-in-law, Michael McClellan; her grandchildren and spouses: Ryan and Cydney Roak, Gabriel Roark, James McClellan, Jebediah and Baylee McClellan, Sky Roark, Elijah McClellan and Katelyn McClellan; and several great-grandchildren; her brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Beverly Ryan; her nieces and nephews: Scott and Samantha Ryan, Tamara Ryan, Robyn and Tim Morris; her sister-in-law, Robyn M. Ryan her brother-in-law, Brit Willison; her niece, Amanda Bryant and several great nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Dee Dee Ryan; her brother, Ronny Ryan and her sister-in-law, Toni (Garitson) Willison.
Marilyn moved to Wichita KS from Enid Oklahoma when she was in elementary school. She attended Pleasant Valley middle school and Heights High School Class of 71.
She worked in the aircraft field for several years, In the early 2000s she left the aircraft industry, and tried new adventures at T-Mobile and Braums.
Marilyn loved her family, her dog and cats. She knew no stranger and always knew those who needed a kind word or encouragement. Marilyn started rescuing stray cats and having them spay or neutered, then she offered them a loving home.
Marilyn took all who needed a safe home to come too into her life.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Lifeline Animal Placement and Protection 310 w 45Th n Wichita Ks 67204
A visitation will be held at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209, US, on June 8, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
A funeral service will be held at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209, US, on June 9, 2026, at 10:00 am with a committal service immediately to follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory in the Garden of Christus.
Pallbearers will be Ryan Roark, Gabriel Roark, Sky Roark, james McClellan, Jebediah McClellan, and Elijah McClellan.
