Marilyn Troili James, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and cherished friend, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on April 9, 2025, at The Village at Skyline Pines in Rapid City, South Dakota at the age of 90. The family thanks all the staff for their excellent loving care of Marilyn and loving support of her family during the two years Marilyn resided in assisted living at The Village.

Marilyn was born August 25, 1924, in Palmyra, Indiana to Jesse and Sarah Setser Meddles. Marilyn was born in her family home. When the time arrived for her delivery the doctor didn't arrive on time but with the assistance of her dad's sisters, she arrived strong and healthy.

Marilyn's greatest joy came with spending time with her family and fostering a loving environment.  Marilyn wrote in her biography that she was thankful for her seven children. That she was in awe of their intelligence, the good people they became and the way they applied themselves to education and became productive members of society then to see those same values spill over into the next generation and beyond. In addition, she always cherished the time she could spend with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Prior to moving to Rapid city in 2023, Marilyn lived for over 40 years in Santa Maria, California. Marilyn and her husband Don enjoyed time together, taking lunch to Guadalupe Beach and watching the waves, traveling in Don's shiny red Mustang to Ragged Point for weekend get-a-ways, playing dominos, and enjoying each other's company.

Marilyn loved the Lord and for the years she lived in Santa Maria she was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church. During that time, she used her special gift to bless the lives of others, being continually active in the church and for many of those years she led the Ladies Bible Study. In addition, she volunteered for the Literacy Council, Stephen Ministry, and Crisis Support. While living in Rapid City, she attended Crossroads Wesleyan Church with her family and was welcomed by all with open arms.

Survivors include her husband, Donald James, Merced, California; sons, Dean (Xiao Yan) Troili, Salt Lake City, Utah, Eric (Desiree) Troili, Serre Wooley, Washington, Keith (Judy) Troili, Hermosa, South Dakota; daughters, Laurel (Kieth) Bradshaw, Washington DC, Lisalana (Kirby) Lewis, Clovis, California; step-daughters Beverly (Pat) Quigley, Merced, California, Sharon James, Paso Robles, California; daughter-in-law  Neiani Stepp, Olympia, Washington; sister, Sherri (David) Brammer, Guyton, Georgia; nephew, Don Duncan, Jeffersonville, Indiana; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Daniel Stepp; daughter, Lynnda Crandall; sister, Velma Duncan; brother, Dennis Willingham, and former husband, Dean Troili. The memorial service will be at Bethel Lutheran Church, Santa Maria, California on June 21, 2025, at 11:00 am.