Victoria Lee Marrero, 74, Carthage, Missouri, a beacon of love and creativity, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Communities of Wildwood Ranch, Joplin, Missouri. She was born on March 27, 1950, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the daughter of the late Donald Lee Bolton and Norma June (Strait) Bolton. Victoria’s life was a tapestry of devotion to her family, her faith, and her passion for crafting.
Victoria’s journey began in the heart of Oklahoma but her story unfolded in Wilmington, California, where she attended Banning High School. After high school, she embraced the role of a teacher’s aide at Pacific Harbor Christian School, where her nurturing spirit touched many young lives. Her career also included time at Mervyn’s retail store, but Victoria’s true calling was being a homemaker, raising her children, and filling her home with warmth and creativity. An artist at heart, Victoria found solace and joy in crafting. Her hands lovingly created purses, wallets, handbags, and clothing, each piece a testament to her creative spirit. Above all, her faith was the cornerstone of her existence, guiding her through life’s journey and inspiring those around her.
She married the love of her life, Marcos Marrero, on August 10, 1968 in Wilmington, California, and together they built a family foundation strong in love and faith. Their union was blessed with three children: Lisa Kane (married to Mike), Yolanda Marrero, and Marcos “Angelo” Marrero, Jr., all of Carthage, Missouri. Victoria’s legacy continued to flourish with the joy of her granddaughter, Rheah Gilbert, and the delight of her great-grandchildren, Skyler and Michael Gilbert. Victoria’s siblings, Ronald Bolton, Carolyn “Susie” Crook, and Margaret Linares, will fondly remember her as a loving sister. Her extended family and a multitude of friends will miss her dearly, cherishing the memories of her faith-filled presence in their lives. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Melinda Erhardt.
Memorial services will be held at 2 pm, Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
