Marilyn Joyce (Gaige) Tanner

Marilyn Joyce Tanner, a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, was born on November 30, 1958, in Albany NY, to parents Jarvis and Joyce Gaige. She departed from this world on July 11, 2024, in Oklahoma City, surrounded by her loved ones at the age of 65. Marilyn's life was cut short by her illness, but her life was made complete by her husband Doug and her son Evan. Doug was her best friend and the love of her life. A Marriage that stood for over 34 years. They remained totally devoted to each other through the hardest of times. Evan was her pride and joy. She would always say he was the greatest gift she ever received. They had a bond that could never be broken. Marilyn raised her son to be all things good and kind.

Marilyn and her mother Joyce were very close, like "two peas in a pod" and best friends. Even during her illness, she made sure her mom was well cared for, and every day Marilyn called to offer her help and love. Marilyn LOVED cats. She was the "purrfect" cat-mom. Her precious Ali misses being next to her on the couch. Marilyn loved collecting and giving adorable kitty décor and accessories. She would watch funny cat videos for hours. Kittens just melted her heart. Marilyn had many treasured friendships, some of which lasted 50 years or more. She loved that Facebook allowed her to keep in contact with all the important people in her life. Marilyn appreciated her friends deeply, and she would do anything for them.

Marilyn received a degree in Accounting from Eastern State University in Ada, Oklahoma. She was a hard worker. She worked at Kirby-Smith for the last ten years where she was treated like family. She was truly blessed by the people at Kirby-Smith, and often expressed her deep gratitude for the care and support they provided. Her sharp mind and meticulous attention to detail made her an invaluable asset to those she worked with.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her father, Jarvis Gaige. She leaves behind her husband, William "Doug" Tanner; son, Evan Tanner; mother, Joyce Gaige; brother, Matthew and wife Lynn Gaige; sister, Carolyn and husband Robert Davis; sisters-in-law, Eve and husband Ted Williams, Bobbie Tanner and Kendra Cummings; nieces, Ashley and Alison Davis, and a multitude of friends. Of all these things, Marilyn will be most remembered for her loving and generous heart. Marilyn's faith in God was strong to the end. She knew her destiny was in His hands. Surely God welcomed her home with open arms, and she will be in paradise forever.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will take place at Ingram, Smith & Turner Mortuary on August 1, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, where loved ones will come together to celebrate Marilyn's life and honor her legacy.

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