Biography: Marilyn Jameson Boellner, 73, of Little Rock passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at home surrounded by her family, her wonderful caregivers and her four-legged friend and protector, Lucy.  Marilyn was born on August 8, 1948, to Hazel Willis Ratliff and Russell Franklin Ratliff in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.  She was the third of 6 children.  Marilyn grew up in Pine Bluff surviving many shenanigans carried out by her fun-loving brothers. To be fair, they may have teased her mercilessly, but were also very protective.

Marilyn graduated from Pine Bluff High School.  She studied psychology at UALR.  During her time at UALR, she took a seminal history trip to the U.S.S.R.  Marilyn enjoyed success as a real estate agent prior to joining her late husband, Sam, assisting with his private practice, and Clinical Studies Centers.  The job Marilyn was most proud of was that of Mimi to her grandchildren.

Marilyn reveled in watching her children and grandchildren playing volleyball in the famous pool, and dancing around her during one of the many epic gatherings in her equally famous kitchen, but little brought her more joy than cooking for her loved ones and their friends as she knew it was the most direct route to a person’s heart.  She would pore over the many cookbooks in her collection and cooking magazines, snapping photos and sharing, or reporting on something she had seen on the Food Network when she thought it was interesting or knew it was something someone would like.  Marilyn treasured memories from her book club days at the river.  Gardening, birdwatching, watching the Golden Girls with grandchildren, and gazing at Cheyenne Bodie with anyone willing were also favorite pastimes.

Marilyn loved being on the water, whether it was fishing on the Little Red River (and holding to her claim that she caught the biggest trout in family record), boating (and water skiing in earlier years) on Greers Ferry Lake, or adventures with Sam on the Caribbean Sea.  Marilyn enjoyed many travel adventures with Sam to Cardinals games, Europe and the Caribbean, with St. Maarten holding a special place in her heart.  She also delighted in Disney World, having most recently had a tremendous adventure there with grandchildren.  She was always keen to go back.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Joe Ratliff (Pam), Russell Lee Ratliff, Richard (Dickie) Ratliff (Rita), Wayne Ratliff, and Cheryl Ratliff (Tony); and her husband, Dr. Sam Boellner.  Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Karen Jameson Gordon of Little Rock; her son, Eric Wesley Jameson (Shelley) of Houston; and seven grandchildren, Russell Gordon of Denver, Colorado, MacKenzie Gordon, Matthew Gordon, and Anna Gordon of Little Rock, Olivia Jameson, Phoebe Jameson, and Hayes Jameson of Houston, Texas, nieces; Stacy Richey, Brandy Weatherly, Whitney Hardin.

The family would like to welcome friends for a visitation from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Ruebel Funeral Home on Friday, July 8, 2022, at 6313 W Markham Street in Little Rock.  The family will hold a private service in Heber Springs at a later date.  Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com