Marilyn Kay (McGonagill) Link, age 71, of Lakeland Florida, passed away unexpectedly Thursday May 16, 2019 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida while on a trip with some close friends.
Marilyn was born in Artesia New Mexico and spent her childhood elementary school years growing up in an oil field company camp in the desert sand hills about 5 miles southeast of Loco Hills, New Mexico. While living there she attended a 3-room school house that had 2 grades to a room where she received a solid education. While a little girl she learned to ride horses, hunt deer and rabbits, and play the piano. She always loved Saturday for that is when the family would to “go to town in Artesia” for shopping and socializing. Then back to town on Sunday for church and usually a family lunch. As social a person that she was, she so looked forward to those times.
She grew up in, was confirmed at and was a long-time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Artesia.
When she entered high school, the family moved the 25 miles into Artesia where she attended and graduated from Artesia High. She then enrolled and was one of the first graduates from the College of Artesia; (1971 with a Bachelor of Arts degree).
Her paternal family had a long history of living and working in New Mexico and that led to a life-long interest and love of the State. She loved New Mexico history, its art and of course its food.
She married Greg Link in Artesia in December of 1970 and the following year the couple began their combined career in the entertainment business. For the next 2 ½ decades they were owners of and provided leadership to one of the largest fair amusement companies in the United States. That career took them across the United States from coast to coast and border to border. They were also leaders in their industry and served as officers in the Showman’s League of America.
In 1988 they moved to Lakeland, Florida where she resided until her death. While there, after leaving the amusement business, she and Greg owned and managed The Postal Zone in Zephyrhills.
When health needs of her families in both Florida and New Mexico called, Marilyn always responded. Many times, for next 2 ½ decades, she moved around from Florida to New Mexico and back again, providing both direct and hospice care.
She was known for her love of life, her love for her dogs and for just having fun. She was always ready to put on her “sparkles” and go with friends to a concert, see something new or try the latest restaurant.
She loved people well and for that she will be deeply missed.
She was preceded in death by her husband Gregory of Lakeland and parents Joe and Johnnie McGonagill of Artesia.
Marilyn is survived by her brother Michael McGonagill and wife Candi, uncle Emery McGonagill and aunt Jessie, nephews Colin and Patrick McGonagill and niece Victoria Kunz.
She is also survived by her many “adopted” family members particularly Jim and Barbara Carnicelli, Kathy Karsedt, Don, Shelli and Emilie Dunn, Karen Richardson and Hollye Bailey.
A memorial service for Marilyn will be held at 11 am on Saturday June 8 in Lakeland Florida at Christ Lutheran Church; 2715 Lakeland Hills Blvd. After the service a light lunch will be served.
Subsequent to the Lakeland Florida service another memorial service will be held in Artesia, NM at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Details on that service are yet to be announced but will be between Thursday June 27 and Saturday June 29.
Internment of both her and her husband’s remains will immediately follow in the Twin Oaks Cemetery, Artesia.
For each of the memorial services the family encourages her friends and family to dress brightly and joyously. They would also ask individuals attending if they have one to bring a favorite photo(s) of Marilyn, where there will be a display table allowing all to share in those common good memories.
For those who wish to remember Marilyn via a contribution to a memorial or charity that you know she would have appreciated is also welcomed.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Marilyn Kay (McGonagill) Link, please visit our Tree Store.