Marylou Redlinger Obituary

Marylou (Root) Redlinger, 87, passed peacefully in Jacksonville, Florida on July 22, 2025.

Marylou was a beloved mother, wife, grandmother and friend, who loved God and her family above all else.

Born in Titusville, Pennsylvania, on December 8, 1937, Marylou lived a full and meaningful life. Over the years, she made her home in several places, including DeLand, Florida; Woodburn, Oregon; and finally, Jacksonville, Florida.

Marylou began her professional life with strength and purpose, working as a deputy sheriff. Later, she moved into the retail grocery industry, where she was known for her dedication and warm spirit. She eventually retired early to focus on what mattered most to her: being a homemaker and caring for her loved ones.

She was a woman of faith, finding joy and fellowship in her spiritual community. She attended the Deland Nazarene Church for many years and was a member of Grace Community church in Jacksonville.

She enjoyed cooking. She baked from her heart and passed this passion on to her children and grandchildren. She found pleasure in the simple things - playing Yahtzee, card games (she was a train game and rummy champion!) and she was a jigsaw puzzle aficionado. She and her husband, Gene, shared a love of travel and adventure, enjoying cross-country trips, stopping in campgrounds and national parks along the way. They made the bold move from Florida to Oregon later in life, where she became a cherished part of Gene's family. They spent many wonderful years there, helping out on the farm and even working as summer helpers at the local KOA. Eventually, she and Gene traveled back to Florida and settled in Jacksonville, where they spent their remaining years.

On their final journey, Gene traveled ahead of her. She departed to meet him on July 22, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 87 years old.

Along with her beloved husband, Edward E. "Gene" Redlinger, Marylou is preceded in death by her son, James L. Herman and her sister, Wilma Plyler.

She is survived by her children: Rodney Herman (Deb), Bonnie Darnofall, Sandi Mammen; and her step-children: Ginger Redlinger (Mary), Leonard Redlinger (Geri), and Daryl Redlinger. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Faith Mercado, Terra Herman, Jessi Nejal, Katrina Akin, Zachary Blocker, Brandon Blocker, Shaina Ruh, Matthew Mammen, Mo Wieser, Racheal Goulder, and Shawn Redlinger, along with many great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Shirley McEathron.

Marylou's gentle spirit, sense of humor, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her children and grandchildren will especially miss her bright smile, sweet laughter, and warm hugs.

A graveside service will be held at Deland Memorial Gardens in Deland, Florida on Monday, July 28th at 1:00 pm.