Marilyn Qualls

Marilyn Qualls, age 95, peacefully passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2026 in Long Beach, California. She was married to William Qualls for almost 60 years until his passing in 2012. Marilyn is survived by her 4 children and their spouses Kevin Qualls and Alice Barnett, Kriston and Yarhuetti Qualls, Keith and Loreena Qualls and Karen Qualls, as well as her grandchildren Candace, Nathan, Jeffrey, Erin, Douglas, Isabella, and Kris.

Marilyn was born on May 25, 1931 in Newton, Illinois, to Harold and Mary Smallwood, and she had 2 sisters, Barbara and Shirley. During her time in rural Illinois, she developed her love of adventure, nature, and animals. She moved to Whittier, California around 1942, and later attended Whittier High School and graduated from Whittier College.

Marilyn and Bill married in 1953 and lived initially in La Habra and then in La Habra Heights where she raised her family and exposed her children to all types of pets, including horses, goats, birds and a variety of other animals. She taught elementary school at Ladera Palma and especially enjoyed reading her favorite books to her class and sharing her experiences. The family attended Hillcrest Congregational United Church in La Habra Heights.

During the 1960’s through the mid-1970’s, the family enjoyed monthly trailer outings with the “Kamping Kangaroos” and Marilyn and Bill enjoyed the friendship of numerous families, including the Rice, Pilkerton, Cathcart, Dick, and Mooney families. Every Summer, Marilyn would plan family vacations to different lakes for waterskiing and camping or travel trailer trips across the United Sates to numerous National Parks.

Her love of travel expanded to trips with Bill to several cruises and trips to European countries, Mexico, the Hawaiian islands and beyond to the French Polynesian islands, New Zealand and Australia.

Marilyn and Bill retired in 1987 and moved to Fallbrook, California where they became very involved with Senior activities, including hosting Mahjong and bridge parties, the garden club, and volunteer work. For over 20 years, Marilyn devoted her time and energy as the Director of the Fallbrook Senior and Disabled Transportation Program that connected volunteer drivers to help local seniors safely reach their health and other appointments. She was widely recognized by the Fallbrook Community for her devotion and services.

In her private time, she loved to read and spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren that she was so proud of. Her grandchildren remember her for her love of card games, orchids, hummingbirds and cherry pies.

All of her family will deeply miss her.

A Graveside Service will be held at Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, California 90601, US, on September 30, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by a Reception at Rose Hills Memorial Park - GardenView Reception, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, California 90601, US, from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm.

Marilyn’s final resting place will be at Rose Hills Memorial Park in the Garden of Prayer Lawn, Gate 1, Row 20, Lot 6716, Space 2, at 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier.