Marilyn Faye Boeker

After 90 years of a richly rewarding life, Marilyn Faye Boeker, died at her home on January 13, 2026. Marilyn was born February 10, 1935 in Ann Arbor, MI to the late Lawrence Leo Smith and Elora Finkbeiner Smith. She grew up in Ann Arbor with her late twin sister, Marjorie.
Marilyn graduated from Pioneer High, stayed in Ann Arbor and graduated from the University of Michigan where she met her beloved husband, Ralph William Boeker. They wed in 1957 and began their life together, often moving to yet another new location. Marilyn taught for a few years but gladly set that aside when her 3 children arrived. She continued to help many children gain a love of reading through volunteer efforts at local schools and cherished weekly library trips with her children.
With the many relocations Marilyn worked to make each new place "home" for her family. A stint in Hong Kong in the 1970's with three children (12, 10, and 2 years) may have been the most challenging but it came with an opportunity for international travel. Marilyn and Ralph enjoyed extensive such travels for many years. Their last international trip was to see the gorillas in Rwanda.
Their relocations did include repeated periods in Midland, MI and Marilyn loved that this allowed northern Michigan lake time. She and Ralph bought their first northern cottage on Burt Lake as soon as finances allowed and continued to making treks up north, including introducing their grandchildren to the beauty of northern Michigan (in summer).
Marilyn was a fierce, lifelong Michigan Wolverine fan. She also was never afraid to ask a very direct question. Her children and her nieces and nephews soon figured out that she was the adult to follow around at family reunions to really find out what was happening in a cousin/sibling/parent's life. Her grandchildren learned this as well. Every potential spouse was prepared, in advance, before meeting Grandma.
Marilyn's long life makes it impossible to list all those she loved and cherished, whether it was for many years or just when geographically nearby. She volunteered for many organizations that work to make the world a better place. She was a lifelong Christian and derived strength and support from multiple Lutheran congregations.
Marilyn's survivors include her husband of 68 years, Ralph William Boeker; children Julia Lynn Pepper (Kline), Craig Allan Boeker (Sai) and Susan Marie Boeker; grandchildren Christopher Pepper-Callahan (Megan), Bryan Thomas Pepper (Gizem), Nicholas Alam Boeker (Celeste), Alexandra Raji Boeker, Sarah Kathryn Pepper (Alan) and Allen Jeffrey Pepper (Kristin); and multiple beloved nieces and nephews.
Finally, the family wishes to thank all who helped care for Marilyn as her health declined. All of these caregivers allowed Marilyn to remain comfortably at home. We were blessed to meet them and consider them among those acting as God's angels in this world.
A visitation to remember Marilyn will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in the ballroom at Cascades Verdae, 10 Fountain View Terrace, Greenville, SC.
Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Marilyn with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory."