Marilies Louise Hobday

At the age of 91, Marilies Hobday passed away on October 12, 2024, at her home in East Sacramento, surrounded by her children. She grew up in Elk Grove, CA, where she attended Elk Grove High School. In 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Howard Hobday.

Marilies was raised with a strong Swiss heritage, helping her parents, Marie and Anton, with the Anton Muller Family Dairy on Sheldon Road. After high school, she began her career at Bank of America, where she worked for 8 years. Wanting to spend more time with her children, she opened an in-home daycare practice, where she created a safe and loving space for countless children over the years. She remained closely tied to her heritage throughout her life, serving as the dedicated secretary of the Swiss Ladies Society for 60 years.

Marilies always said that staying active was the key to her long life. She spent many Saturday nights dancing and socializing at the Eagles’ Lodge with Howard. She enjoyed cooking, tending to her plant garden, and watching the birds and squirrels gather at her feeders. Even at 91, she was an avid texter, always keeping in touch with her granddaughters and friends. She had a signature style, ending every message with a heart and a prayer emoji, ensuring her texts were as warm and loving as she was.

Her home was always open to everyone, whether they were family or not. People loved to visit Marilies because of her warmth and hospitality, always making others feel welcome and loved.

Marilies was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Howard. She is survived by her brother, Rudy (Doris); her two children, Elaine and Keith (Taina); and her granddaughters, Kelsey (Alex) and Katherine. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

An open visitation will be held on Thursday, October 24, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home, 3939 Fruitridge Road. Funeral services will follow on Friday, October 25, at 10:00 a.m.

Special thanks to the caregivers from Comfort Keepers and Senior Helpers, who helped support Marilies during her last years. 

In lieu of flowers, Marilies preferred that donations be sent to Clara’s House, 2700 L Street, CA 95816 or at www.ClarasHouse.org