Marilyn was born on January 17, 1935 in Rector, Arkansas to Ezra and Almeda Cudd. She leaves her husband of 63 years Frank. Marilyn was preceded in death by son Ronald Holman and sister Twyla Turpen. She is survived by her brother Jerry Cudd, niece Patricia Martin, son Gregory Clark (Lisa), grandsons Cody (Lauren), and Bryan (Hari) and great grandson Teo; Kurtis Clark (Donna), grandson Frankie (Shayna), great grandsons Jacob, Dylan, Grayson; granddaughter Kristen Pensko-Clark (Patty) and great granddaughter Olivia; granddaughter Sabrina Holman-Gbur (Dan), great grandsons Davin, Ronin, Severin; granddaughter Sherri Holman (Ryan) and grandson Ronnie Holman.
Marilyn’s family moved to Waterford in 1943 and her father worked on several farms until he was able to purchase his own farm and began growing walnuts. Marilyn attended Waterford elementary schools and eventually attended Oakdale High School where she graduated in 1952. Marilyn married George Holman shortly after graduating and they moved to Richmond, California where she gave birth to their son Ronald. She and George divorced and Marilyn moved to Modesto to work at Wells Fargo Bank. Although she and Frank both attended Oakdale High School, they did not know each other. Frank was a Modesto police officer in late 1959 when he stopped Marilyn for speeding. After lecturing her, Frank let her go without a ticket. A few weeks later their paths crossed again and Frank obtained her telephone number. That was the beginning of a relationship that would last 65 years. Marilyn continued working at the bank until August, 1961 when she gave birth to their son Gregory. Marilyn returned to work until Greg started school and then became a fulltime mother, a job that she never relinquished. She spent a great deal of her spare time doing school projects and was president of Catherine Everette School PTA. When Frank left the police department and went to work for E&J Gallo Winery, they moved to Oakdale. Marilyn served as the first President for Friends of Community Hospice, she was a very active member of the Oakdale Golf & Country Club serving as president of the Nine Holers and helped organize the Club’s first lady’s tennis group. She also served as president of the Oakdale Ladies Golf Association (OLGA). In addition, Marilyn opened and operated Clark’s Nursery where Frank and Greg assisted her in providing Oakdale with quality plants, trees and landscaping materials. When Marilyn’s son Ronald and his wife separated, she insisted that their three young children be brought into her home to be raised by her and Frank. She did a fantastic job as they all turned out to be wonderful adults and provided the family with wonderful great grandchildren. Marilyn hosted her 26 extended family members with wonderful gatherings at least four times a year. She was indeed the grand matriarch and is deeply missed by all.
A memorial event is being planned in a few weeks for family and friends to gather in her remembrance.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
Jan. 31, 2024
