Marilyn Lee Shellito, age 71, died at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital on Sunday, June 1, 2014, after a long battle with lymphoma.

Marilyn was born on August 31, 1942 in Elk Grove, CA to Gus and Edna Van Lengen. She spent her childhood on a farm where she loved to ride her horses. She graduated from McClatchy High School in Sacramento, CA, in June, 1960, and married Tim Shellito on May 10, 1963. They moved to Hollister in 1969, and, after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from San Jose State University, Marilyn became an elementary teacher in the Hollister School District. She served as a teacher for 15 years and worked with hundreds of students in the community until she retired in 2000. Marilyn loved to travel and took advantage of every opportunity to visit faraway places, including Hawaii, Alaska, Australia, Tahiti, and Germany.

Marilyn was a devoted wife, mother, friend, and an inspirational teacher. Survivors include her husband, Timothy Shellito of Hollister, daughter, Cindy Shellito of Fort Collins, CO, son, Ryan Shellito of New York City, and brother, Jerry Van Lengen of Newcastle, CA, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews in the United States and in Germany.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2014 at 1 p.m. at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home at 870 San Benito St. in Hollister, CA.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in her name to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life event in Hollister: Relay For Life of Hollister: Team Shellito | The American Cancer Society -