Marilyn L. (Russell) Torbert

Marilyn L. (Russell) Torbert, 88, of York, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. She was the wife of William “Bill” Darryl Torbert, with whom she shared nearly 67 years of marriage.

Marilyn was born February 2, 1937, in Bentley Springs, Maryland. She was the firstborn and only daughter of Ernest E. and the late Ruth I. (Billet) Russell.

Marilyn graduated from Susquehannock High School in 1955. She worked at a bank in Shrewsbury and lived at home in New Freedom until she married Bill on May 25th, 1958. Six months later she joined him on his first Army tour of duty in Frankfurt, Germany. They moved to Northern Virginia in 1960 for Bill’s new U.S. Government job, and adopted their three children over the next seven years.

In addition to raising her three children, Marilyn worked as a daycare provider, financial secretary for her various churches, and as an accountant for Metro Bookkeeping and Baby-2-Teen.

Marilyn enjoyed crocheting, gardening, cooking Pennsylvania Dutch food, and cheering on (and yelling at) her favorite football team, the Redskins. She also loved adventures, including traveling overseas to Cancun, Israel, Venezuela, Barbados, Switzerland, and Germany with family and trying activities like motorcycling, parasailing, and ATV-riding — all after her 50th birthday!

Never one to seek attention or the limelight, Marilyn always ministered in quiet, meaningful ways often unknown to others. She supported her immediate and extended family with her practical help, wise counsel, and frequent cards and phone calls. A faithful prayer warrior, she prayed daily for her children and grandchildren, family and friends, and was always eager to hear  about what was happening in their lives.

Marilyn is survived by her husband Bill, three children Michael E. Torbert (Michele), Mark W. Torbert (Anita), and Melissa L. Freestone (Erik); eight grandchildren Justin, Joshua, Jacob, Natalie, Philip, Kelly, Jennifer, and William; and brother Robert Russell (Anise); and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her two brothers Charles C. Russell and William F. Russell.

There will be a public visitation on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., 24 Second St., New Freedom. A funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Precept Ministries in Chattanooga, TN or Samaritan’s Purse in Boone, NC.