Marilyn Carlisle, 97, of Owensboro passed away on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 surrounded by her family’s love at Signature Healthcare Hillcrest in Owensboro. She was born in Henderson County on April 28, 1921 to her parents, Dr. William and Lottie Runyan Markwell. She had two brothers, Jack and Bill, who, along with her parents, preceded her in death.
She attended Murray State University and then moved to Miami, Florida and worked as a secretary for Pan American Airlines. From Miami, she moved to Hollywood, California. Marilyn returned home to Henderson and worked at Camp Breckenridge for two years.
It was there, that she began to date and then marry the love of her life, Zane Gray Carlisle, in 1949. They moved several times to different states for his job, before settling in Owensboro. Marilyn and Zane had five children, one of whom, Carol Ann Carlisle, passed away as an infant.
Following her husband Zane’s death in 1979, Marilyn began to volunteer at Owensboro Health. She worked at the Outpatient Surgery information desk and Front Desk locations for over 37 years. Marilyn loved to play bridge, sew, and work in her garden.
She had an amazing “green thumb”. She could make just about anything grow. She had been a member of First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, for 58 years and was one of the founding members of the “Friendship” Sunday School class.
Marilyn (Granny), whom everyone in the family lovingly referred to her as, was extremely proud of her entire family and loved to be a part of the joys and celebrations of every person. Marilyn is survived by her children, Cherilyn Kizer, Richard (Leslie) Carlisle, Mark (Anne) Carlisle, and Brian (Anissa) Carlisle. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Craig (Ginny) Kizer, Dr. Ryan (Kristen) Kizer, Dr. Laurie (Craig) Carlisle Hodge, Nick Carlisle and fiancee, Dr. Monique Smyth, Dr. Sarah (Sam) Carlisle Swift, Brett (Lauren) Carlisle, Patrick, Amelia and Will Carlisle; her eight great-grandchildren, Bryson and Logan Kizer, Max and Cooper Kizer, Elliot Hodge, Joanna Swift and Ellie and Graham Carlisle.
The family would like to thank the care teams of Unit 6 at Hillcrest Rehabilitation Wing for their professionalism and care. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 24, 2018 in the Chapel at James H. Davis Funeral Home & Crematory. Private family burial will follow in Slaughters Cemetery in Slaughters, KY.
Visitation is from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday and after 10 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Christian Church, 700 J.R. Miller Blvd, Owensboro, KY 42303 or Owensboro Health Volunteer Auxiliary, P.O. Box 20007, Owensboro, KY 42304-0007.
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