SOUTH THOMASTON — Marilyn R. Tuner, 87, died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, May 1, 2013, at her home.

Born on Vinalhaven Nov. 7, 1925, she was the daughter of George and Doris Wincapaw Ranquist. Moving to the mainland as an infant, she grew up in Warren, attended local schools and graduated from Warren High School in 1943.

Following high school Marilyn entered the work force. For her entire working career, she worked diligently as a packer for many of the local fish processing plants, including Holmes Packing and O'Hara's. Her family said she was a hard worker, and rarely missed a day of work.

On May 4, 1947, Marilyn married Leland R. Turner in Rockland. Together they made their home in Thomaston. After separating in 1971, Marilyn moved to South Thomaston, where she has resided ever since.

Marilyn loved to be busy and on the go. One of her favorite pastimes was hosting a weekly Beano game at her home with her good friends, Dot Jackson, Marcia Firth and Jean Billings, otherwise known as the "Beano Gang." Active until the end, she hosted a game just last Friday. Many of those same friends were also members of the "Coffee Club" that met twice a week for breakfast at the Keag Store. The coffee club also included her friends Jackie Harjula and Lou Alex.

Never one to pass up the chance for an outing, Marilyn loved to go to lawn sales, playing Scrabble with her daughter, Kim, and trips to Dorman's Ice Cream. She especially looked forward to Saturday rides with her son.

Family was the most important thing to Marilyn. She was always looking for reasons to hold a cook-out, party or celebration. Family gatherings were one of her favorite activities. Most recently she took great pleasure in being able to teach her great-granddaughter, Julia, to play cards. She even had a special place in her heart for her furry, four-legged family members. Her cat, Kirby, was her constant companion.

Although Marilyn faced many hardships and illnesses throughout her life, she never complained. She took on each new battle with courage and a quiet nature that allowed her to become a 35-year cancer survivor.

She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Predeceased by her brother, Vernon Ranquist; a son-in-law, David Roberts; and a brother-in-law, Alvin Rackliff; Marilyn is survived by her children, Ronald Turner and his partner, Jerry Morrell, of Vassalboro, Kimberlee Smith and her husband, Roger, of Warren, and Carol Roberts and her companion, Robert Mackie, of South Thomaston; her sister, Norma Rackliff of Spruce Head; a sister-in-law, Esther Ranquist; her grandchildren, Heather Crooker and her husband, Michael, Keith Turner and his wife, Heather, Ashlee Smith, Katie Smith, Jennifer Roberts, and Holly Roberts and her companion, Tyler Gricus; her great-grandchildren, Mikayla, Jack, Sophie, James, Avary, Julia, Jaelynn, Jaxon, and her ninth great-grandchild that she was eagerly awaiting this winter. Marilyn also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews as well as a wide circle of friends.

Family and friends are invited to visit Monday, May 6, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Peoples United Methodist Church in South Thomaston, where a celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. The Rev. Michelle Wyllie will officiate. A potluck luncheon will follow the service at the church fellowship hall. Interment will be held Monday, May 20, at 10 a.m. at Village Cemetery on Dublin Road in South Thomaston.

Marilyn's family said they were grateful for the wonderful care she received from Kno-Wal-Lin Home Care and Hospice.

Those who wish may make memorial donations to Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.

To share memory or condolence with Marilyn's family, visit her Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.