ROGERS — Marilyn Darlene Annen

passed away on Dec. 27, 2022, at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Ark. Marilyn was born June 10, 1937, in St. Joseph, Mich. to Julius and Selma Tilly. In 1964 Marilyn married her late husband Captain Martin Annen USN; USNS (Ret.); Panama Canal Pilot (Ret.)

Marilyn is survived by her loving family; son Martin “Marty” Annen, daughter Marla Annen; granddaughter Bailey Annen and great-granddaughter Sariana Annen. In addition to numerous extended family members.

Marilyn graduated high school at the age of 16, from a one room schoolhouse in St. Joseph. At this point she began her pursuit of becoming an educator in earnest. Marilyn attended several community colleges, while teaching at her one room school Alma Mater. Quickly moving on to Western Michigan University where she earned her Bachelor of Education and teaching certificate. Followed some years later with a master’s degree in Education and Higher Learning from the University of Arkansas. After being accepted into the Department of Defense Dependents School System (DODDS) in 1959, she traveled the world educating at military bases in Okinawa, Japan (1961-1962), Sicily, Italy (19621964), and the Panama Canal (1964-1974) Later retuning as an administrator in Panama and Washington D.C. (19882003). Marilyn retired in 2003 in Washington D.C. as one of the leaders of the world wide DODDS school system. From an educational standpoint her time in Arkansas was also filled with teaching, Marilyn created what is known as the REACH program, among other programs she helped start and pushed into an active school program. If you had the good fortune to have met Marilyn, you will remember her for those big black round glasses, with a twinkle in her eye and a never-ending smile. To even begin to write about or describe Marilyn’s life is a daunting task indeed, for there is no format or template to use. An educator who traveled the world both professionally and for pleasure. From Myanmar to Madagascar, Italy to Indonesia, Spain to the Seychelles, Peru to Panama and so, so, many points in between.

Marilyn was the true embodiment of happiness, love and caring. A true ray of light on the darkest day. Marilyn never met a stranger, to be sure, she was always there to make you feel like the most important person in world. If you were with Marilyn, you witnessed the utmost in grace, poise, and humility. Always knowing Marilyn had an uncanny knack for finding the closest dinner party, social event or just plain party.

Marilyn’s wit and humor, class and style were without parallel. Marilyn had the ability to transition from a meeting at the Pentagon to sightseeing at the Parthenon as easily as she could move from a backyard BBQ to a Black-Tie event at the White House. Marilyn’s hobbies and interests were as diverse as her wardrobe, never a dull moment with either. Marilyn’s true loves were singing and sailing. You were equally as likely to find here windsurfing on Beaver Lake as you were to find her sailing in some exotic locale. A friend once compared Marilyn’s activities to the alphabet, just pick a letter. Aha, Z you might say; Marilyn volunteered at the Zebra Rehab Facility in Africa while on safari. To Marilyn, life was not simple list of hobbies or interests, Life was a daily changing dynamic, never the same, always with a song and a smile. Marilyn was also a person of devout religion, helping Peace Lutheran Church in its early stages, volunteering when needed and probably when not needed, pun intended. She always carried her beliefs with her and followed those beliefs. Mother, Rest in Peace you are with the Angels now, WE LOVE YOU!

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023 at Peace Lutheran Church, Rogers, Ark.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the NWA Women’s Shelter or Peace Lutheran Church. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th Street, Rogers, Ark. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com