June 6, 1932 – March 10, 2026
Marilyn Ann Arnett peacefully entered her heavenly home on March 10, 2026. She was 93.
Marilyn was born on June 6, 1932, to Datus and Tillie (Tietje Aardema) Salie in Boyden, Iowa. She came from humble beginnings as the daughter of farmers and was encouraged from an early age to break the mold and follow her dreams. Early memories included stories of farm life and mischief with best friend and dear cousin, Shirley. Marilyn demonstrated great skill from an early age playing piano in her local church and sewing beautiful dresses.
Marilyn met the love of her life, Thomas Arnett, in the summer of 1954 while working at Yosemite National Parks. They wed on May 29, 1955, and raised three sons, Tim, Troy, and Todd. Yosemite became and remained a revered place for them to visit annually and host family and friends for their 50th and 60th wedding anniversary celebrations.
Marilyn graduated from Arizona State University and later, Stanford University for her Master’s in Education. Marilyn’s career spanned 54 years, starting as an elementary teacher in 1954, with most of her career as school secretary at Santa Rita Elementary School in Los Altos, CA.
Marilyn was steadfast in her love for the Lord, family, friends, and traveling. She was a Sigma Sigma Sigma sister and cherished a lifetime of gathering with her sisterhood.
Her soul is rejoicing with her Creator in their heavenly home; this brings comfort and peace to us all. Her ashes have been placed with Tom’s in their final resting place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Los Altos, near their home where they hosted many gatherings with family, friends, and community.
Marilyn is survived by her three sons and three daughters-in-law: Tim and Lisa Arnett, Troy and Lisa Arnett, and Todd and Anna Marie Arnett. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Shanni and husband Blaine; TraciLyn and husband C.J.; Julie; Ben; and Nicholas; by her great-grandchildren: Poppy, Goldie, Cohen, Sadie, and Frances; and by her granddaughter-in-law Angelina, wife of Lisa’s (Troy’s) late son Chris, and great-grandchildren Angel and Isabella.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 18, at 11:00 AM at Bridges Community Church in Los Altos. A church reception will follow immediately afterward.
