With the heaviest of hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Marilyn Joanne (Changaris) Ponton on March 7th, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born in 1950 to the late Helen and John Changaris in Yuba City, California, where she was raised. She most recently made Cumming, Georgia her home to be close to her daughters, but most importantly her granddaughters.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Lorin (Larry) Ponton, whom she met at the University of Nevada, Reno; her brother, Peter Changaris; her daughters, Marika Ponton and her partner Rob Kiely, and Lillie Dietrich and her husband Robb Dietrich; her beloved granddaughters Madison Dietrich and Hailey Dietrich; and her granddog Colt, who Marilyn affectionately referred to as “Bark Boy.”

Marilyn built a respected career in city and urban planning, where she thrived on solving complex problems and shaping thoughtful communities. She was known for her sharp strategic thinking and a level of attention to detail few could match. If something required a plan, Marilyn already had one, often with a backup.

She cherished spending time with her granddaughters baking, sewing, and just laughing. She had a gift for creating traditions and making holidays feel special, whether that meant crafting a Marilyn-original wreath for the door, having just the right flag in the yard, or setting a table with a theme. She cherished the friendships that she formed throughout her life, personally, in her career and at her church. She was always one to chat people up and learn about them, and her handwritten card game was like no other.

Even during her years battling cancer, Marilyn refused to stop living life to the fullest. She continued traveling with family, both domestically and internationally. She remained the steady voice of reason for those around her and the woman people turned to when they needed perspective and sound advice.

Marilyn was known for her intelligence, her nicknames for people and things, which she inherited from her father, her never-ending love for her family, and her encouragement of their continued education. Those closest to her know that her random and spontaneous humor was always present, and we will laugh and smile our whole lives as we keep those moments and stories alive. Marilyn’s love, wisdom, and humor will remain woven into the lives of everyone who knew her.

A service honoring Marilyn’s wonderful and full life will be held on Saturday, March 21 at 1:00 PM Eastern at Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming, Georgia. The service will also be live-streamed on-line: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.youtube.com/user/ingramfuneralhome/live__;!!B209rIdvvA!ehp7mDA19lq1eC81DXRDWTL4-4O6NLreM_4fTnibPdXTp-30xOO_s83kKIjhL1BNgZoUUbfhFwP-PBENEXhqHw$

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to the Emory Head and Neck Cancer Fund. Marilyn deeply appreciated the doctors and medical professionals who helped extend the time she was able to spend with her family, and supporting their continued work would mean a great deal.

https://giving.emory.edu/products/winship-head-neck-cancer-fund

Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, GA is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed online at ingramfuneralhome.com.