After 18 years of battling Parkinson’s Disease Marilyn Kay Wallis passed away peacefully in her sleep at Mad River Hospital on February 27.

Marilyn was born in Fort Worth, Texas on July 5, 1944 to Alleyene Norwood and Arleigh Ray Wallis Sr. Marilyn lived in Davis, Oklahoma; Arlington, Texas; and various parts of California. Marilyn settled in Eureka, where she lived for the past 40 years.

Marilyn volunteered for various organizations such as the Senior Resource Center, Alice Birney Elementary School and others. Marilyn enjoyed writing poetry and had a few of her pieces published. Marilyn will be remembered by her unique sense of humor and her unconditional love. Most of all Marilyn will be remembered for her inspiring strength and courage.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her father, Arliegh Ray Wallis Sr.; stepmother, Velma (Tulos); mother, Alleyene Norwood; stepfather, T.M Cook, and her sister Mary Faye Wallis. Marilyn is survived by her seven children — Angel McCarthy, Leonard McCarthy and his wife Tammy, Tresea Meinung and her husband Ron, Christopher McCarthy, April Davis and her husband Carl, David Bilderback Jr, and DeeAnne Bilderback; and her five grandchildren, one great-grandchild and her loving partner of 12 years, Max Albert Garibay.

The family would like to say thank you to Mad River Hospital for the care of Marilyn in her final days. Please send to the charity of your choice in place of flowers. Marilyn’s favorite organizations were Michael J. Fox Foundation, Sequoia Park, Humboldt Senior Resource Center and the Alzheimer’s Foundation. A cremation was held, and a ceremony in the memory of Marilyn.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Marilyn Wallis’ family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.