A loving, creative and beautiful soul passed away with family by her side on June 28, 2026.

Marilyn Monroe Candler was born on April 21, 1944. She grew up in Johnson City, Tennessee, as the daughter of John and Helen Monroe, and the sister of John Monroe and Martha (Monroe) Krietemeyer. She attended Emory & Henry College, where she met her husband, Paul Candler. Marilyn and Paul had three children - John Paul, Kirk, and Kate - who they raised in Salem, Virginia.

Marilyn had a joyful, playful spirit with the heart and soul of an artist. She was an incredible watercolorist whose paintings hung in countless galleries, shows, and homes over the years. She made necklaces of clover for her children and grandchildren, taught them how to whistle with a blade of grass, and played multiple instruments, including the piano, recorder, and lap dulcimer. She was a voracious reader, a terrible cook, and a highly competitive Scrabble player. She loved the smell of lilacs, the sound of peepers, and felt most comfortable in bare feet and overalls. She sneakily taught her children to appreciate Chopin, Bach, and Mozart by playing their works on the piano every evening. She built small "fairy houses" with twigs and butterfly wings and placed them in the woods for her grandchildren to find. Her wit was quick, sharp and rooted in love. She saw the beauty and magic in everyday life and passed that on to her children. She created a warm, loving home filled with laughter, music, art, books and joy.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Paul; her children, Kate (David) Saacke, Kirk (Maria) Candler, and John Paul (Ruth) Candler. Her legacy continues with seven grandchildren, Leah, Cleaveland, Olivia, Will, Adam, Sophia, and Aidan; and two great grandchildren, Penny and Parker, all of whom will miss her and love her deeply, forever.

The family plans to gather in the fall to hold a private celebration of Marilyn and her incredible life.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.