Marilyn Anna Petrich

Marilyn Anna Christen was the only child born to Herman Carl Christen and Henrietta Sophie Anna Marie (Mamie) Koehn Christen. She was born on November 16, 1927, at the Heights Hospital in Houston, Texas. Christened on March 11, 1928, at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Houston, Marilyn was later confirmed on April 5, 1942 at the Addicks Methodist Church in Addicks, Texas. She graduated from Addicks High School in May of 1945, earning the honor of being class valedictorian. After high school, Marilyn attended business school and worked at a men’s clothing store in downtown Houston.

 Marilyn married Leonard Lake Petrich on March 17, 1949, at the Addicks Methodist Church. The young couple moved from the Spring Branch neighborhood of Houston to Round Top in 1950 to start their Grade A dairy farm. After 25 years in the dairy business, they transitioned to a beef cattle herd. The couple was blessed with three children: Jessie Marie, Alfred John, and Donna Louise. 

 Since Marilyn grew up in the Great Depression, she valued hard work and family. As a homemaker and partner in the dairy business, she applied her work ethic to time and money management. She was proud to pass along these same life values to her children. Making homemade ice cream using fresh milk with the hand crank ice cream freezer was a treasured summer treat that Marilyn enjoyed sharing with family and neighbors. She sewed her own clothes as well as her daughters’, taking pride in her handmade garments with material from the Fabric Shop where she worked. For many years, Marilyn corresponded with a mother from Iowa who lost her son in Germany during World War II, while fighting alongside Leonard. Although she suffered a stroke in 2020, she didn’t let that stop her from enjoying more memories with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, including learning to play chicken foot and attending family holidays.

 Marilyn was a member of the New Life Methodist Church (previously Travis Street United Methodist) since 1951 and was a charter member of the Rutersville United Methodist Women’s Bible study group. For many years, Marilyn served as the chairman of the Bereavement Serving Group where she organized food service for many funeral receptions. 

 Marilyn was also a very active member of the Walhalla Extension Education Association (formerly Home Demonstration Clubs). Since her start in 1950, she served as President as well as many other offices during her 74 years as a member. Marilyn also served as secretary of the Extension Education Council for over 30 years. In 2024, she was awarded the Texas Treasure Award for Extension Education in District 11 for her many years of service and will be honored at the state conference in September.

Marilyn passed away at her home on July 19, 2024, at the age of 96 years and 8 months. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 70 years, Leonard Petrich; her parents Herman and Mamie Christen; son-in-law Roger Kokemor, and daughter-in-law Cindy Petrich.

 Marilyn is survived by her children Jessie Kokemor of Brenham, Alfred Petrich and wife Marilyn of Skull Valley, Arizona, and Donna Burton of Round Top; grandchildren Carl Kokemor and wife Carey, Christine Kokemor Skala and husband Michael, Jonathan Burton and Michael Burton; great-grandchildren Kinley and Emmy Kokemor and Christopher and Katherine Skala. There are many friends and family who will miss her. The family would like to extend a special thank you to friends Susan, Mary Lou, and Norma, along with Traditions Home Health Care for their many years of service along with nurse Jennifer and hospice nurse Ro.

 Services will be held July 25, 2024 at Fayette Memorial Funeral Home in La Grange, Texas at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be on July 24 at the funeral home from 12 PM to 7:30 PM. Family will be present from 5:30 PM to 7:30PM. Interment will follow the services at the La Grange City Cemetery.

 Pallbearers are Carl Kokemor, Jonathan Burton, Michael Burton, Michael Skala, Edwin Malinowski, and Mike Drab.

 The quilt on Marilyn’s casket was made by her Grandma Ida Christian.

There will be a Reception at the Church after the burial.

 Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the AMEN Food Pantry in La Grange or the Round Top-Warrenton Volunteer Fire Department, or the charity of your choice.

Services are under the Care and Direction of Fayette Memorial Funeral Home of La Grange Texas. Please visit www.fayettememorialfuneralhome.com to share memories and leave your condolences for the family