Marilyn M. Rotha

Marilyn had a blessed childhood growing up in a large and loving family. She was one of ten children and shared a close bond with her siblings throughout her life. Tragically, Marilyn lost her father, Earl, when she was just 10 years old. From a young age, she stepped into a nurturing role and became a very important part of her five younger sisters’ lives. They looked up to her deeply, not only for her care and guidance, but also for her fun spirit, wonderful personality, and loving heart.

That nurturing spirit remained a defining part of Marilyn throughout her life. She had a gentle way of making everyone feel loved and cared for, especially her two boys, her many nieces and nephews, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. There was never a mean or harsh word said about Marilyn. All who came in contact with her spoke glowingly of her kindness, grace, and warmth.

Marilyn shared a wonderful life with her beloved husband, Earl Fredrick Rotha, who passed away on May 30, 2018. Together, they were married for 67 years. While Earl worked as an executive at Learjet, Marilyn devoted herself to making a warm and loving home for their family while their boys were growing up. Later in life, she enjoyed many creative projects, including making pottery and sewing drapes. She had a gift for creating beauty with her hands and sharing that beauty with those around her. She was also an avid golfer and won the two family championships, contested with her two sons and husband. She also won the Pawnee Prairie women's golf championship at least once.

Marilyn never needed to be the center of attention. She rarely had a preference about where to go or what to do, always deferring to others and putting their happiness before her own. Her selflessness, quiet strength, joyful personality, and deep love for her family leave a legacy that will be cherished for generations. She had a way of completely lighting up a room, just by walking into it.

Marilyn is survived by her sons, Derek Rotha and his wife Kim, and Brent Rotha and his wife Diane; her grandchildren, Chris Wilkinson and his wife Pattilyn, Becca Ray and her husband Kyle, Jordan Rotha, Jared Rotha, Kaleigh Hartzler and her husband Jared, Logan Rotha, and Macie Priddy and her husband Kelly; and her great-grandchildren, Jack and Luke Wilkinson, Bryce and Lainey Ray, Kowen and Khloe Hartzler, Brylynn and Meyer Priddy, and joining the family in a few weeks baby Bennett.

She is also survived by her sisters, Yvonne Huff and her husband Dale, and Joyce Brunz and her husband Wayne; her sister-in-law, Betty Edgerton; her brothers-in-law, Gary Habegger and Keith Walker; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was welcomed Home by her beloved husband, Earl Fredrick Rotha; her mother, Myrtle; her father, Earl; her sisters, Virginia Willert and her husband Lyle, Carolyn Karlberg and her husband Don, Phyllis Johnson and her husband Marvin, Janice Habegger, and Earleen Walker; and her brothers, Guyles Edgerton and Donald Edgerton and his wife Mary Kay.

Marilyn’s life was a blessing to her family and to all who knew her. Her love, kindness, nurturing spirit, and beautiful example will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A celebration of life will be held on September 4, 2026, at 3 pm at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W Hwy 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209.