Marilyn Ruth von Tungeln

Marilyn Burris von Tungeln, 71, surrounded by her loving family, peacefully departed this life to her heavenly home at 10:30 am, Monday, Dec 10th. Marilyn was born in Energy, Illinois on March 28, 1936 to Maggie June and Herman McKinley Burris. She graduated from Herrin High School, and attended Southern Illinois University where she and George Robert von Tungeln met and were later married on November 5, 1955. Marilyn is survived by George, her loving husband of 52 years and their five children: Stuart von Tungeln of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Cheryl and husband Tim Johnson of Portland, Texas; Brenda and husband Kevin Mangan of West Union, South Carolina; Sonya and husband Tommy Senn of Clemson, South Carolina; Eric and wife Stephanie von Tungeln of El Paso, Texas. Also surviving are Marilyn's five brothers and sisters: Ouida Mann and Wanda Stucker of Energy Illinois, Venita and husband Virgil Riley of El Paso, Texas, Dan and wife Joyce Burris of Anderson, South Carolina, and Don and wife Linda Burris of Energy, Illinois Marilyn was blessed with and is survived by fourteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close loving friends. After marriage George and Marilyn lived for a short time at Pennsylvania State University, then moved to Clemson, South Carolina where George spent most of his professional career with Clemson University. After rearing their five children, Marilyn returned to college and proudly received her Bachelors degree from Clemson University in 1983. When George retired in 1985 with thirty years service from Clemson University, they moved to El Paso and have lived here since that time. Marilyn's lifetime passion was her gift of artistic talent. She always painted first for self-satisfaction and then for the enjoyment of others. Her paintings have been exhibited and received awards in numerous shows and galleries. Marilyn was a member and past president of the El Paso Art Association, Rio Bravo Watercolorists, Pastel Society of El Paso, and member of the PleinAire Painters of El Paso and West Side Art Guild. She was one of the founding members of the Sunland Art Gallery cooperative. Marilyn also served her community through her membership and past presidency in ESA charitable sorority. Marilyn received Christ as her savior at an early age, and her life and art reflected her religious dedication. She had been a faithful member of a local Baptist Church throughout her life, most recently Coronado Baptist Church and Challengers Sunday School Class, of which she and George had been a member since 1985. The family will receive friends, Friday, December 14, 2007 at Sunset Funeral Home-West from 5-8 pm. Funeral Service will be held at 10am on Saturday, December 15, 2007 at Coronado Baptist Church, Pastor Mike Woods officiating. Interment to follow at Memory Gardens of the Valley.