Marylyn Jane Ruebel – Born February 9, 1933 – Passed away August 2, 2026

Born Marylyn Jane Cracknell in Lomita, California, Marylyn was the older of Charles and Beryl Cracknell’s two daughters. She was the most outgoing and popular of the two, while her sister Barbara was quite shy. That never stopped Barbara, Marylyn’s pesky little shadow, from insisting she be included in all of Marylyn’s outings. The two remained close throughout their lives.

So, when Marylyn met and began dating Marvin Ruebel in high school, Barbara was often along for the ride. And when Marylyn married Marvin on August 9, 1955, it was only natural that Barbara stood beside her as maid of honor. Together, they were the Three Musketeers for much of their lives.

Marylyn spent most of her adult life in Escondido, California, with Marvin always by her side. She worked as a legal secretary for many years, and after retiring, she took up tennis. She enjoyed knitting, attending church, cooking for family holidays, and tending her garden — always with Marvin nearby. Together they loved towing their trailer on countless camping trips with close friends and, at times, family. Though Marylyn was deathly afraid of flying, she didn’t let that stop her from seeing much of the United States, Mexico, Canada, and even the Panama Canal from the deck of an ocean liner.

Aside from her lifelong love, Marvin, Marylyn’s other passion was crafting. She spent countless hours stamping cards for every occasion. She was never far from Marvin; they were truly two peas in a pod.

Sadly, on July 27th, Marvin crossed over while Marylyn sat holding his hand, professing her love for him as he did for her. Afterward, Marylyn no longer had the will to go on. She prayed to close her eyes and not wake up, so they could be reunited once more. It seems impossible that someone could will themselves to pass away less than a week after losing their spouse — just one week shy of their 71st wedding anniversary. And yet, that is exactly what happened. On August 2nd, only six days after losing the love of her life, Marylyn followed him.

Theirs was truly an epic love story — a life built on precious moments and eternal love and devotion. It seems God answered her prayer and brought her back to Marvin, so that her broken heart could become whole again.  It seems only befitting that they be laid to rest together on August 10th at 11am, at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes.