Marilyn Zoda

Marilyn Rush Zoda, age 84, of Frisco, Texas passed away peacefully, surrounded by her sons and family, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Born on December 26, 1941, in Dallas, Texas, Marilyn was the daughter of Clinton and Bonnie Rush. She married Joe Zoda on June 11, 1960, at the First United Methodist Church in Nocona, Texas, after her graduation from Nocona High School. Together as partners, they crafted a successful career in the oil and gas exploration and production industry, culminating in early retirement on August 17, 1990.

Over the years, Marilyn occupied her time as a homemaker, a golfer, a hospital volunteer, a ceramics enthusiast, a curator of collectible Western art, a member of Beta Sigma Phi international sorority and member of the Methodist Church, however, her most demanding and rewarding roles were Mom and Mimi.

While Joe spent days managing oil rigs, Marilyn accepted the job of raising three sons; a job requiring a tender and affectionate heart, a sense of humor, unflinching courage and bravery, a willingness to put in long hours, the toughness of boot leather, granite-like stubbornness, unshakeable fidelity to right and wrong and cat-like reflexes. As Mom, she patched injuries, soothed hurt feelings, corrected mistakes and inappropriate behavior, settled feuds, cooked favorite dishes and loved fiercely her three boys.

Later as empty-nesters, she and Joe enjoyed traveling and seeing the natural wonders of the United States. Dubbed by a young neighbor who could not pronounce "Marilyn", she took on the role of Mimi, welcoming four grandsons. In this role, she rose to mythical proportions, always with a boast or brag of a grandson's accomplishments at the ready for anyone who would listen. She was an avid conversationalist and would talk to any stranger. After a few moments, Marilyn would know some obscure detail about the stranger that he or she had not expected to share; and no doubt, the stranger would learn some unpredicted nugget about her kids or grandkids as well. Her loyal attendance at grandson's school and sporting events and exuberance to talk with anyone, resulted in her becoming renowned as Mimi to dozens of family friends.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Joe. She is survived by sons Jim (and wife Shari) of Coppell, Texas; Jay of Carrollton, Texas and Jon (and wife Marissa) of Frisco, Texas. Also survived by grandsons Zack of Dallas, Austin (and wife McKenzie) of Kirksville, Missouri, Zane of The Colony, Texas and Caleb (and wife Kaila) of Aubrey, Texas. She also leaves the legacy of three great-grandchildren – Brylee, Major and Jojo