Marilyn Kay Gunter Linton

At the age of 11, her life was forever changed when her parents, Robert and Joyce Gunter of Barberton, Ohio, were tragically killed in an automobile accident in 1956. Marilyn and her younger brothers, Bobby and Terry, survived the accident and were lovingly raised by Paul and Sylv Baker in Ronceverte, West Virginia, whose love, care, and guidance helped shape the remarkable woman Marilyn would become.

Marilyn graduated from Florida Atlantic University before earning her master’s degree in education from Houston Baptist University. She dedicated her professional life to helping children discover the confidence that comes from learning to read. Marilyn taught elementary school before joining the Neuhaus Education Center in Bellaire, Texas, where she worked with children with dyslexia and developed a lifelong passion for helping students to overcome learning challenges. She later founded her own tutoring company, The Reading Connection, through which she spent many years working one on one with children and young adults. Whether helping an elementary student master the fundamentals of reading or preparing high school students for college through SAT preparation, Marilyn’s expertise, patience, and encouragement changed the lives of numerous students and their families.

On August 15, 1968, Marilyn married the love of her life, Robert J. Linton Jr. Together they built a loving home in Houston centered on faith, family, and education. Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, with whom she shared nearly five decades of marriage.

Marilyn never met a stranger. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome, valued, and at ease. Whether meeting someone for the first time or reconnecting with an old friend, she greeted others with genuine warmth and kindness, and an interest in their lives that made them feel truly seen. Her generous spirit and caring heart left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. For the past three years, Marilyn called The Village at The Woodlands Waterway home. She treasured the friendships she formed with fellow residents and was grateful for the kindness and compassion of the dedicated staff, whose friendship and support brought her comfort and companionship during this chapter of her life. The family also extends its heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregiver, Sarah Jones, whose exceptional care for many years enriched Marilyn’s life and who became more like a family member than an employee.

Marilyn’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her sons, Clark Linton and his wife, Kathleen, and Tyler Linton and his wife, Dr. Emily Doyle. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Alyssa, Julianna, Josie, and Harry, each of whom brought immeasurable happiness to her life. She is also survived by her brother, Terry Gunter of West Virginia, and her sister in law, Sylvia Beuhler of Dayton, Washington.

Marilyn’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the students she inspired, the friends she cherished, and the family she loved so deeply.

Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Children’s Texas Pediatric Hospital, whose life changing care touched the life of one of Marilyn’s beloved granddaughters. https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org

A celebration of life will be held at The Woodlands Methodist Church

2200 Lake Woodlands Dr

The Woodlands, TX 77380

Tuesday, August 4th at 11am.