As a family we are heartbroken. We have lost the person who provided more love, compassionate guidance and support than anyone we have known or could ever know.  Marilyn Marie Aranda Kuntz, age 81 slipped peacefully into heaven on June 27th, 2015, in Phoenix, Arizona.  

Marilyn was born in San Luis Obispo, California on 4/18/34 to Lucille Wilkinson Aranda and Enrique Aranda Guedea, Jr..  She was the youngest of two daughters, her sister Virginia (“Ginny”) was born about five years earlier. 

Prior to marriage, she lived in San Luis Obispo, Leon, Guanajuato Mexico,  Acapulco, Mexico and later Mexico City, Mexico.  She married Daniel J. Kuntz, MD on 3/18/1955 in Mexico City, and soon thereafter they moved to Arizona to begin their lives together.  Marilyn gave birth to their first child, Marilyn Marie (aka “Susie”) in March of 1956, during that year the young family moved to San Francisco while her husband pursued further medical training. They returned to Arizona about a year later. In July of 1959, Daniel Enrique was born.  In September of 1960 George Edward came along, then Thomas James in January of 1965.  From 1995 to 2009 she and her husband resided in Thousand Oaks, California. They returned to Phoenix, Arizona in May of 2009.   

She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, homemaker, folk artist, miniature creator and collector, painter, miniature shop owner, gardener, cook, baker, the original Soccer Mom and trusted friend.Those who knew her found her to be another mother, sister or dear friend to them. Her deep and unquestionable faith in God, was the root of her tremendous love and kindness towards others.  She treated everyone and every living creature with utmost respect. She especially loved all children, and animals. Marilyn’s gentle, subtly mischievous manner made her especially beloved, as she could befriend anyone and make them feel loved, special and cared about.  Her faith, compassion, patience and attention to detail made her an enigma. She truly knew what the broken heart needed, seldom thinking of herself, and always putting others above herself.  She accepted everyone for who they were without judgment.

Although a well-read, and intelligent woman, she never considered herself to be worthy of the respect of those with more formal schooling.   However, much to her surprise those who met her were captivated by her wit, intelligence and insight.  She instilled in her children and grandchildren a love for education and learning, always inspiring them to follow their passion, whatever it was.  She also inspired her husband to pursue his profession in medicine, helping him study for exams and typing his thesis.  She would always say, “You can do it, go for it!” “I’ll pray for you.” 

She was an accomplished folk artist, who struggled to recognize her craftsmanship was beautiful and valuable.  To those who saw her work she was an immense talent, with the unique ability to capture the human spirit in each of her miniature creations, which always seemed to come to life.  Often times she used materials from nature’s resources, and recycled items to create her works.  In an old medicine bottle she created a minute tooth fairy from wire, a bead and tissue paper.  From large seedpods she built a manger for a miniscule nativity.  In toothpaste caps she would sit tiny teddy bears with jointed arms.  The list goes on and on.  Her work was displayed and sold in various countries.   For several years, she owned her own miniature store in east Mesa, Arizona and had small retail spaces in various places otherwise.

As a caring wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend, she took delight in and appreciated simple kind gestures, was always grateful, and sensitive to the needs and feelings of others.  Kindness defined her.  Marilyn had the innate ability to listen to any person and provide comfort and reassuring support.

Her greatest joy was found in her family.  She was thrilled each time she spent time with her children and grandchildren.  In 2014 she and Daniel spent their 59th anniversary with all their children in California. In March of this year they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.  

 She was the most avid enthusiast no matter what endeavor anyone chose to pursue.  But, she especially enjoyed taking the lead in finding ways to earn funds for her husband’s or son’s soccer teams.  From tamale, and hot dog stands to specially designed pillows and pins, Marilyn knew what people liked and it sold!   She even built a float for the Mesa Soccer Club, which her husband help found.  Her support was unending, unconditional and truly passionate.  And she was always up for an adventure! 

She also volunteered to help others in many ways, in hospitals and delivering meals to shut-ins, as well as providing shuttle service, room and board to many a soccer player, or rescued animals. 

The passing of our beloved Marilyn (“Mom”, “Micky”, "Mariquita", Ojitos”, “Grandma”, “Tia”) has left us with an immense sense of emptiness and true anguish.  But, we are comforted to know she is not in pain, and she is in heaven guiding and loving us from afar. We know she is with us wherever we are and will provide all of us with strength from those tender hugs of hers.  When our time comes to leave this earth we look so forward to run to her arms and never be separated from her again.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, and is survived by her husband of 60 years Daniel J. Kuntz, M.D. (“Doc”), her children: Marilyn “Susie” Simpson (Richard) (grandson Jacob), Daniel (Nora) (grandson Danny), George (grandson Jordan, grand-daughter Sevilla), and Thomas.  She is also survived by her sister Virginia (“Ginny”) Jameson, her niece Julia (Oscar) Diaz and her nieces Ana Isabel Booher (Brian), their daughters Alana, Alexia, and Alondra; Marifer  Marquez (Hector), and their children Matilda, Hugo and Tirso.  Many other loving relatives in Mexico also survive her.  And lastly leaves behind her two cats, Shakespeare and Mario. 

Our dear Marilyn (Mom) had a simple request for her last wishes.  Knowing how painful it would be to say “ goodbye", she asked there be no celebration or services in her honor.  She asked instead that we show love to one-another and do good deeds. We are very grateful to everyone who has reached out to our family providing that unconditional love, prayers and tremendous support we need at this most difficult time.  Thank you for the hugs, visits, food, cards and arrangements you have sent to our homes. God bless each of you. 

The family requests that if you wish to, or are able to do so, please give a donation to a charity, which benefits homeless people, those suffering from an illness, veterans,  foster children, animal rescue groups, or another organization in her name.