Marilyn Gunkle passed away June 19, 2018 from complications of dementia. Marilyn was born to parents, Joseph Travers Sr. and Isabelle (Gomes) Travers January 18, 1932 in Watsonville, Ca. She lived in the Watsonville area her entire life.
Marilyn attended Casserly School and Watsonville High School, graduating in 1950.
Marilyn married Robert Gunkle in 1956 and was married for twenty-four years before his passing in 1980.
Marilyn’s first employer was N.G. Papac & Sons in Watsonville an agricultural firm. In 1958 she worked in the office for Growers Frozen Foods. In 1971 she was employed as Office Manager for Jack T. Baillie Co. Inc. in Salinas for twenty years. In retirement she worked part time as a bookkeeper for Pioneer Organic Produce and Ranch in Watsonville. Marilyn made lifelong friends throughout her professional career and kept in touch with past co-workers.
In retirement Marilyn volunteered at the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Center in Watsonville, being one of the original volunteers. Her longtime friend Margie Moss and Marilyn were a vital part of the Center. She was also very involved in the Watsonville class of 1950 Reunion committee, serving many years and helping her fellow class members recall and celebrate their high school years. Marilyn was a long-standing member of the Young Ladies Institute (Y.L.I.). Marilyn attended Our Lady Help of Christian Church (Valley Church) and St. Patrick Church.
Marilyn lived on Arthur Rd. in Watsonville for 57 years. She enjoyed her wonderful neighbors who were especially helpful when Marilyn was starting to struggle with her health. Marilyn was always interested in those she met. She could be counted on giving treats of candy or cut cymbidium flowers that she grew at home, to folks at her bank branch, doctor’s offices and friends.
In retirement Marilyn traveled with her sister-in-law, Beverly Travers Knaak, on many cruises throughout the world. Marilyn really enjoyed family gatherings at her home on holidays that always included card games and lots of food.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Joseph Travers Jr. and sister, Elizabeth (Travers) James; and husband, Robert Gunkle. Marilyn is survived by nephews, Mike James of Washington State, and John Travers of Soquel; nieces, JoAnn (Travers) Tracy of Aptos and Stacy (James) Ryan of Paso Robles; step-sons, Michael Gunkle and William Gunkle of South Carolina; and many great-nieces and nephews.
A mass will be held Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady Help of Christians Church (Valley Catholic Church), with reception to follow at the Don Bosco hall at the Church. Burial will be private at Valley Public Cemetery.
Mehl’s Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
