Marilyn Bretz

Marilyn Iva Bretz

Marilyn Bretz passed away on February 15, 2026 at the age of 90.

Marilyn Iva Bretz was born on February 28, 1935, in Coweta, Oklahoma, to Ray Felix and Ruby (Chance) Waldrup. She grew up in the country and attended Bull Creek schools before graduating from Wagoner High School in 1953.

After graduation, Marilyn and two of her girlfriends moved to Tulsa, where she began working for Southwestern Bell Telephone. During her time there, she met Howie Bretz. They began dating and were married later that same year, making their home in Tulsa.

In time, Marilyn and Howard moved to the Lake Keystone area, living in Mannford and Terlton. Throughout those years, Marilyn worked as a school cook, at the Williams Center, and served as an emergency foster parent, helping and caring for many children in need.

Following the passing of her husband, Marilyn traveled to Rifle, Colorado, with her son. She later returned to Oklahoma, sold her home, and eventually moved to Killdeer, North Dakota, to be near family, where she lived for several years before settling in Claremore.

Marilyn enjoyed working crossword puzzles, traveling—especially her memorable trip to Thailand—planting flowers, and most of all spending time with her family. She was a devoted woman of faith and a loyal church member, recently attending Westwood United Pentecostal Church in Claremore, and throughout her life faithfully worshiping in Pentecostal churches.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Ruby Waldrup; her husband, Howie Bretz; her son, Howard Bretz; and her brothers, Marvin, Wayne, and Harold Waldrup.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Jody Bretz and Ivan Bretz and wife Suporn “Sue”; grandchildren Jennifer Paul and husband Chris, Naylor Bretz, Heather Bretz, Derek Bretz, and Brandon Bretz; great-grandchildren Devon Bell and Dylan Rostron; and great-great-grandchildren Cass and Roy Rostron, along with many extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.