Whittier, North Carolina - Marilyn Lorch Lea, 76, passed away peacefully at her residence on October 5, 2019.   She went to be with the Lord after a short illness and was surrounded by her loving family.   Marilyn was the wife (and best friend) of Shyler Lea. They were happily married for 56 years. In addition to her husband, Marilyn is survived by a son, Shane Lea; a daughter, Diana Lea Cartner and her husband, Brad Cartner; one brother, Darrel Lorch and his wife, Arlene, of Blair, Wisconsin; and two sisters - Shelby Haug and her husband, John Haug, of Galesville, Wisconsin; and Julianne Buttke of Randleman, NC. She is also survived by a Brother-in-law, Bill Lea and his wife, Deloris, of Palm Coast, Florida.

Marilyn was born on June 15, 1943 in Whitehall, Wisconsin to the late Milton and Lila Lorch. Shyler and Marilyn Lea were co-owners of Lea Brothers’ Mink Ranch in Alma Center, Wisconsin. Marilyn also owned a Hair Salon in Alma Center. Eventually, she and her family moved to the Statesville, North Carolina where they owned and operated their own dairy farm. They retired to Whittier, NC.  Marilyn will be remembered as an extraordinary, loving wife and mother. She was a woman of faith who loved her Savior, Jesus Christ. She lived her faith by showing unwavering love, kindness and generosity to all of those who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.  Checks should be mailed to the “Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation” - 5526 West 13400 South #510,Herriman, UT 84096. To donate by phone, please call 1-888-936-6731. Donations can also be made online by going to cholangiocarcinoma.org.