Boone, Marilyn Edit page

Marilyn Arvonia Ray Boone

10/09/1935-12/27/2025

Marilyn Arvonia Ray Boone was born on the family farm near Harrah, OK, on October 9, 1935.

She was the eldest child of Levi William "Ted" and Ruby Eleanor Deonier Ray.

Marilyn attended White Rock School through the eighth grade. She then attended McLoud High

School and was the Valedictorian of the Class of 1953. In May, 1957, she earned a Bachelor of

Science degree in Mathematics with a minor in Physics, for which she received two diplomas -

one from Oklahoma A&M College, and one from the new Oklahoma State University

Marilyn married Robert Eugene "'Gene" Boone (who had waited 4 years for her to graduate) on

June 16, 1957. They had 3 sons: David Michael, Keith Bryan, and Gregory Stephen.

Marilyn spent her summers after high school working at Little Giant Pump Company to help pay

her college tuition. Upon graduation Marilyn worked several places, among them Philco-Ford,

but spent most of her working life at Tinker Air Force Base as a computer programmer. When

she began, computers were run by long trays of punch cards which were fed into the machine.

One of the most significant programs she wrote kept track of every single part of the C-5

airplane. Marilyn went on to work in Procurement at Tinker until she and Gene retired.

Upon retirement she and Gene bought a big pickup and fifth wheel to explore the U.S. with

lifelong friends. The birth of their first grandchild brought them home again. In 1989 they

bought a small, winter home in Florida, and subsequently divided their time between Florida

and Oklahoma.

Marilyn was very active socially and loved to dance. She was a talented seamstress - from

drapes to tiny, ruffled dresses to t-shirts. She crocheted, was an avid reader, and enjoyed

playing bridge. She was also a marvelous cook, and whenever she baked Gene's favorite

coconut pie he would say, "That's great, Baby, but I think you need to practice just a little bit

more." When the boys were young, there were many waterskiing trips to Lakes Eufaula,

Tenkiller, and Texoma, and nights spent in the pickup camper.

Marilyn spent the last 3 1/2 years at Wolfe Nursing Center after a stroke left her unable to speak

or walk. She faced this setback with strength and grace, and with a beautiful, sweet smile.

Marilyn could still communicate with a pointed finger, a nod, and a word or two. She

participated in all the activities offered at Wolfe, and her stash of candy, other goodies, and

jewelry proved she was adept at Bingo and bean toss. She never failed to find pleasure in the

small things, such as the cup of coffee her son, Greg, brought her each morning. We wish to thank 

all the loving, caring personnel at Wolfe for their kindness and attentiveness to Marilyn, and to her 

family, and to all the residents there.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Gene; son, David Michael Boone;

grandson, Levi Nolan Boone; and brother, Theodore Wiliam Ray. She is survived by sons, Greg

and Keith; granddaughters, Heather Boone and Heidi (D.C.) Cloud; great granddaughters, Bella

Boone and Khloe Cloud; great grandsons, Kobe Cloud and Roman Boone; her siblings, Chris Ray

(Susan); Donna Bell (Jimmie); Jeanne Edwards (George), as well as many nieces, nephews and

cousins.

Marilyn was dearly loved and will be sorely missed.