Marilyn Smith Branch was born on January 13, 1936 to Howard S. and Dorothy E. Smith (nee VanHoozer) in Guthrie. She passed away on April 17, 2020 at her home in Guthrie, Oklahoma at the age of 84.

A lifetime Guthrie resident, Marilyn graduated from Guthrie High School and in 1952 married her sweetheart, Lester C. Branch. They were married for 65 years, until his passing in 2018.

Her most significant role in life was as the matriarch of a large and loving family. Any time she was surrounded by family was her favorite time. The yearly family vacations and weekly family dinners have been cherished by the entire clan.

Having been born and raised in Guthrie, she had many life-long friendships, which she treasured. As a way of nurturing these relationships, she enjoyed entertaining, playing bridge, and watching sports – especially OU. More recently, she enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles and could find the most elusive piece before anyone else.

She was a lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Guthrie. She served the church in many capacities throughout her life including the vestry, Episcopal Church Women, choir, and Lunch on Noble. Her devotion was expressed in the kindness and generosity she showed to those in need.

As a civic leader, Marilyn's life was defined by her loyalty to the community that she loved. Her public service included state-wide as well as local leadership roles. She was a founding member of the Logan County Historical Society and Guthrie Arts and Humanities Council. She served as Chairwoman of the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director of the Logan County Economic Development Board, and Chairman of the Logan County Excise Board. She also served on the boards of Logan County Youth and Family Services and the United Way of Logan County. She was a Lifetime Member of the Logan County Historical Society and she was recognized by Logan County United Way with a Lifetime Achievement Award.  The City of Guthrie honored her proclaiming a Marilyn Smith Branch Day.

The Pollard Theater honored her for her role as a founder, having fought for the dream that she and a few others had of a professional local theatre. She was a member of Leadership Oklahoma and was a member of the selection committee for the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics. She generously supported many civic, nonprofit, and charitable organizations.

Marilyn's absence will be felt by countless numbers of people who were influenced by her. She was forever an advocate for those who had a dream that needed to be realized and those who were bereft of a dream. She gave, not only of herself, but of her home, her wisdom, and her heart. There are far too few people who will take a risk on another human, but she and Lester consistently chose to do so, and changed the course of many lives because of it.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, sons Robert and Vernon Branch, husband Lester Branch, and brother Dusky Smith. She is survived by her son Howard Branch and wife Jayme of Guthrie, her son Brian Branch of Oklahoma City, her favorite daughter Leslie Rhinehart and husband Jack of Guthrie, her son Michael Allen and wife Nikki of Forney, Texas, her grandchildren Thomas Branch, Rachel Black, Ryan Rhinehart, Sarah Rhinehart, Miranda Allen, and Mitchell Allen.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Pollard Theatre or Trinity Episcopal Church, Guthrie in Marilyn's memory.

A private graveside service and burial for the immediate family will be held at Summit View Cemetery in Guthrie, Oklahoma with the Rev. Michael Jasper officiating. A public memorial service is planned for a future date when conditions allow. Services are under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home in Guthrie, OK.

Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.hayesfh.com