Marilyn Kruger Laverty was born March 8, 1923 at Friese Maternity Home in Bakersfield, California to Julius and Edith Wegis Kruger. Marilyn spent her childhood growing up in Taft, California. She met the love of her life Ben W. Laverty Jr. at Gardiner Field in Taft. They were married in Las Vegas on June 2, 1942. They moved to Shafter, California in 1950 where Ben had the Chevron Gas Station on Lerdo Hwy. In the early years, Marilyn was a homemaker before she worked at Shafco. Then in 1960, Ben and Marilyn built the Foster Freeze in Shafter. It was a success, but Marilyn had more to do! She went back to school at Bakersfield College at age 47 to pursue her lifelong dream and became an RN. She worked at Mercy Hospital in ICU, Kern County Migrant Childcare Program, and then taught for ten years with Kern High School ROC in "Health Occupations" and "CNA." Marilyn "Nana" was one of those "special" people who was sweet, kind, always had a ready smile and a "love you more!" She loved her family more than anything... Was always there with a smile and warm hug and a chocolate chip cookie or graham crackers and milk! She was the most wonderful mother, daughter, and "Nana". She will be missed. Marilyn had a wonderful life surrounded by caring family when she went home to be with the Lord May 17, 2013. She was ninety years old. She is preceded in death by her husband of 41 years Ben W. Laverty Jr., her father and mother Julius Kruger and Edith Kruger, and brother Leland Kruger. She is survived by her sister and husband Ilene and Bud Wilson, her four children and their families: Ben W. Laverty III and Susan, Vicki Swan, Susan Handy and Rick, Marti Wiedmann and Ted. Grandchildren and their families: Ben Laverty IV , Bret Laverty, Tim Laverty, Terra Laverty, Tallie Menzie, Staci Allen, Stefani Pollock, Steven Swan, Shane Swan, Marci Wattenbarger, Dr. Mike Keese, DMV, Jennifer Durkan, Zakary Handy, Alicia Hudnall, Kyle Handy, Brandon Slezak, John Slezak, Brent Slezak and numerous wonderful great grandchildren. Many thanks to the caring staff at Glenwood Gardens and special thanks to Pam and Michelle at Hoffmann Hospice. Special thanks to Mom's dining room friends, Kathleen, June and Bertha. Services will be at Congregational Bible Church in Shafter, CA on Saturday May 25, 2013 at 11:00 AM. Donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 9713, Bakersfield, CA 93389-9713