Marilyn L. Castle

Marilyn Castle, 91, peacefully entered eternal life with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 28, 2026, while surrounded by family within the comfort of her own home in Frederick, Maryland. She was born in Frederick on February 26, 1934, the daughter of the late Paul Crum, Sr., and Hallie Redmond Crum.

She married the love of her life, Russell L. Castle, in December 1953. They celebrated 70 years of marriage together before his passing in December 2024. Marilyn looked forward to (and is now celebrating) their glorious reunion in Heaven.

Marilyn loved Jesus, and if you met her, she made sure you knew (and understood) the importance of a relationship with Him. She loved, cared about, and prayed for everyone she met -- a true example of someone who loved like Jesus.

Marilyn graduated from Frederick High School in 1952 and worked as a secretary at Fort Detrick for a number of years before staying home to love and raise her children. She truly believed that the adoption of her children was part of God’s perfect plan for her life. In addition to her children, she also spent much time loving and caring for her nieces and nephews. As her children grew, she realized that teaching was a calling for her, so she returned to school to receive childcare and preschool certifications before teaching three and four-year-old preschool for many years at The Children’s Center in Waterside.

Her biggest pride and joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Oh, how she loved being “Grandma” and “Mimis”! Those children were showered with deep love and covered by constant prayer, and they all fondly recall fabulous vacations, outings, and endless times spent on the farm with their grandparents.

Many who remember Marilyn will recall her beautiful soprano voice -- a God-given gift that she used to honor Him. She was invited to “Hymn Sings” all over the county and was asked to sing “The Lord’s Prayer” at many weddings and funerals. She is most notably remembered for her rendition of “O Holy Night” that she sang on many Christmases over the years.

Marilyn had a servant’s heart and often served in her churches over the years, which included Parkway Church of God, Frederick Alliance Church, and Emmanuel Alliance Church (now called New Design Church). She was a fabulous choir director and a wonderful Sunday School teacher.

She is survived by her two children, Eugene Castle and wife Dorothy of Frederick, and Mari Lynn Stalnaker and husband Paul of Myersville; grandchildren, Bekki Castle, Zach Castle, Brandon Crockett, Joshua Stalnaker (Rachel), and Jacob Stalnaker (Sarah); great-grandchildren, Caitlin Long, Chase Long, Calissa Bracken, and Raelyn Castle. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Emma LaBee Ragan and Helen Moore, plus several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Charles and Paul Crum, and her sisters-in-law, Francis and Dolly Crum.

All services for Marilyn Castle will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at New Design Church, 7102 Ladd Lane, Frederick, Maryland 21703. A viewing and visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., which will be followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. and a graveside service at Mount Olivet Cemetery immediately following the funeral. All are welcome to attend a luncheon at New Design Church following the interment. In place of flowers, donations may be made to the Future Faith Campaign at New Design Church:

https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/128792

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
2 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV