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MARILYN HANEY Obituary
Dec. 4, 1937 – Aug. 17, 2025
Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Marilyn Sue (Chapman) Haney, 87, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025, in Indio, California, surrounded by family and love.
Born on December 4, 1937, in Texas, she chose California as her lifelong home, where she built a life filled with family, music, education, and service. She was married to her husband, Bobby Neil Haney, until his passing on November 8, 2012. Together, they raised three beautiful daughters and a wonderful son, Perry, who preceded her in death.
She is survived by her daughters, Malin, Cynthia (David), and Marilyn (Vance); her cherished grandchildren, Kyle (Lauren), Bryan (Amber), Robert, Zoe (Octavio), Nickolai, Hannah (Hunter), and Colin; and her adored great-grandchildren, Kai, Trenton, Cheyenne, Emma, Genevieve, Leo, and soon-to-arrive baby Cillian. She was deeply proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, treasuring every moment she spent celebrating their milestones and accomplishments.
Education was both her career and her calling. A graduate of San Diego State University and Pepperdine University, she devoted her life to students as a kindergarten and 8th grade history teacher, and later as vice principal of Imperial High School for ten years. Her legacy as an educator and leader continues to live on in the countless students and colleagues whose lives she touched.
Music was her lifelong joy. She played piano from childhood, directed an English Bell Choir for fifteen years, taught fifth-grade drummers for ten years, and served as pianist for Eastern Star for 35 years, where she was also a proud Worthy Matron. She was a longtime member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the United Methodist Church, and gave generously of her time and talents to her community.
After living in Imperial for over 50 years, she spent her final years in Indio. She enjoyed watching hummingbirds, making quilts for foster children, sewing place mats for family and friends, and the companionship of her dog, Zeela. She will be remembered for her faith, her music, her kindness, her generosity, and her deep love for her family and community.
A graveside Celebration of Life will be held at Riverview Cemetery in Brawley, California, with date and time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to an organization of your choice.
With love and respect, Malin, Cynthia, and Marilyn.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for MARILYN HANEY
Kelly Bell Gray
August 29, 2025
I remember Mrs. Haney from teaching at Heber Elementary. She was a wonderful teacher. My prayers go out to the family. May she RIP with Mr. Haney. Kelly Bell Gray
Caroline Treadway Jaime
August 27, 2025
I was absolutely blessed to have met and known Mrs. Haney! I´m grateful I graduated with her daughter-Marilyn! Mrs. Haney was a blessed and beautiful woman! I am so grateful God placed her in my life´s journey! Thank you Mrs. Haney for being such a blessed, caring Teacher and Administrator, inspiring, fun, and a loving person; who left me and so many other people with fond memories to cherish you and your legacy! Thank you God for the life of Mrs. Haney!
Arlyn Duval
August 27, 2025
My condolences in the loss of your mother.
UNNATI SAMPAT MD
August 27, 2025
Ms Haney will always remain in my memory. She was a graceful, wise and kind lady. It was an honor to be associated with her.
Norma Villicana
August 26, 2025
Marilyn, sorry for your loss.
Sandra Rasmussen, daughter of Dorotha Lange Poole
August 25, 2025
She had a good life. She was a cousin I wish I had known better, but was glad she wanted me in her life. She was my mother's cousin and that's how I got to know her. She was a lovely person with a wonderful life. She will be missed by many people.
Rev. Gene Hill, Helena, MT
August 24, 2025
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant!" Always in my heart and memory, Sue... Rev. Gene Hill, Helena, MT
Sharon Anderholt
August 23, 2025
A sweet friend she was!m, as I followed her from having twins, going to SDSU for teaching and later both administrators. May she rest in peace
Jane Malin Williams
August 23, 2025
I had the pleasure of caring for my mother the last few years of her life. She was strong and blessed with grace. I love you mama and will carry you in my heart forever.
Jimmie Gayle Ennis
August 23, 2025
How she will be missed! She was a part of our lives for many years, later by long distance. Heaven is richer with her there.
Elvira Zinn
August 19, 2025
Mrs. Haney was my 8th grade social studies teacher, my V.P. in high school, my cheer advisor, my student teacher supervisor, and most importantly, my friend. I have so many wonderful memories about her but the one that stands out the most is the mentorship she provided me in my career as a teacher. She was one of my biggest cheerleaders. I will miss her.
Dyann Duling
August 19, 2025
I knew Sue through church activities at El Centro United Methodist Church and musical groups. Her excitement for life, music, friends, and adventure was so inspiring. As a fellow educator we often shared stories of our students and their eagerness to learn, to grow, and to inspire. Sue will be missed and remembered with much love and fondness. Peaceful rest, Sue.
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