Marilyn Surles

Marilyn F. Surles passed away February 18, 2026, age 92 years. Marilyn was born August 4, 1933, in Detroit, MI to William and Florence Brown. She and her brother Bob were raised in Lincoln Park MI. She loved helping her mom around the house and was always a happy and energetic kid. Marilyn graduated from Lincoln Park High School in 1952. After her high school graduation, she enrolled in Evangelical Deaconess Hospital Nursing School. While attending nursing school she met her husband, George K. Surles. After graduating from nursing school in 1955 she and George were married on November 26, 1955. Marilyn and George moved to Madison, FL while he was in the Coast Guard. After George’s enlistment ended, they moved to Lakeland, FL where they started a family. Marilyn’s nursing career spanned over 40 years. She retired in 1996 from Lakeland Regional Medical Center. After retirement she and George moved to Old Town, FL. George passed away in 2002, and Marilyn continued to live on the Suwannee River. Marilyn enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and adored her 5 grandkids and three great grandchildren. To know Marilyn was to know love. She had a special relationship with so many and always made each person feel special. Marilyn had physical challenges over the past 20 years, but her strong will and indomitable spirit kept her going strong. She believed her faith kept her going too. She was a blessing to her family. Marilyn was an active member in Woodmen Life Chapter 626 and was involved in her Ladybug Club and the Bunco Club. She was active in the AmVets Ladies Auxiliary 422 and The Moose. She loved making ceramics and giving them as gifts too. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, George K. Surles, her parents, William and Florence Brown, and her brother Robert Brown. She leaves a wonderful legacy of family behind. Marilyn is survived by her daughters, Sandra Laxdal; Karen (Keith) Gilbert, granddaughters, Rachel Damron and Kara Gilbert, grandsons, Jake Brown, Matthew Brown and Karson (Ashley) Gilbert, great-grandchildren, Carter Gilbert, Khloe Gilbert and Cooper Joe Gilbert and many nieces and nephews. She was the pillar of her family that can never be replaced. She will be enormously missed by her many friends. Marilyn’s legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone that loved her. She fought the good fight and is restored and resting with our Heavenly Father. Her Celebration of Life will be held 3:00 PM, Saturday, March 14, 2026, at The Hill Heritage, 2410 NE 389th Ave., Old Town, FL. Officiated by Jesse Acosta. Arrangements have been placed under the care of Rick Gooding Funeral Home Cross City Chapel, with locations in Cross City 352-498-5400 and Chiefland 352-493-0050. Please sign the online guest book at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com

Marilyn Surles

August 4, 1933 - February 18, 2026