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MARILYN HANEY
1937 - 2025
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
5 Entries
Sharon Anderholt
Yesterday
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
Yesterday
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
Yesterday
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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