Marnita Carli

Marnita Kendall Carli, 96 of Sanford, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025 at Ambiance of Maitland. Marnita was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She was born May 30, 1929 in Chrisman, Illinois as the eldest daughter to the late Edwin Boone Kendall and Maerene Mason Kendall. She spent her days as a child riding horses, especially her favorite horse, Prince. She had a younger sister, Jenta Rae Kendall Wyatt who predeceased her on December 29, 2016.

Marnita graduated from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, Class of '51 with a degree in teaching. She was a dedicated member of the Pi Phi sorority where she recently received an honorary 70th year pendant.

She met her future husband of 52 years, John Mark Carli, in 1951 and they married on February 16, 1952. John passed away on October 26, 2004. She is survived by her four children, Mark K Carli, Sanford, D. Brent Carli, Lake Mary, Marla C Ruff, Raleigh, NC, and Carla H Stein, Winter Park, 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Marnita was a middle school math teacher, primarily teaching Algebra and Geometry in both Orange and Seminole counties. She dedicated her life to teaching for 30 years and inspired generations of students with her compassion and wisdom. During this time she went to night school where she obtained a master's degree in psychology from Rollins College. She left teaching to become Registrar at Lake Howell High School. She went on to become a Real Estate agent. In her spare time she played golf at Timiacuan Country Club and was an avid bridge player. Later she began playing duplicate bridge with a group of woman at Village on the Green and the North Orlando Bridge Center. She was a volunteer in the gift shop at Sanford Hospital for many years. Marnita and John enjoyed boating on the St John River and with a group where they caravanned to many locations throughout Florida. They also enjoyed traveling around the country with many friends and were involved with the Family Motor Home Association and the Ambassador Beaver Club.

A family memorial service with be held in the future. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.