Marilyn Patricia Saffel, "Granny Grunt", was born on October 22, 1987, in Arcadia, Louisiana, to Ruben and Carrie Blackwell and she passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 12:15 PM, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Marilyn was a very outgoing and loving person.  Over her life, Marilyn traveled the world with her life-long friends of 67 years, Buddy Joe and Joann Smith.  She played softball and bowled for most of her life.  Some of her other favorite things to do was helping raise her grandchildren (they were her world, (she would do anything for them), and spending time with family and friends and hosting gatherings at her home.  She also loved arts and crafts.

In earlier years, she worked as a nurse's assistant at P & S Hospital.  There wasn't a stranger that she met.  She was such a kind-hearted woman and was loved by so many.  She touched everyone's life in a very special way.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Connie Gene Saffel; parents, Ruben and Carrie Blackwell; brother, Bobby Gene Blackwell; sister, Katherine Carter, and daughter, Cathy Lee.

She is survived by her children, Kane Saffel, Jacqueline Pinkston, and Johnnette Squyres; sister, Patsy Marks; grandchildren, Heather King, Christina Mullings, Brandi Saffel, Justin Price, and Amanda Holt; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Honoring Marilyn as pall bearers will be Alan Davis, Joel Wolfe, Ricky Burk, Rocky Burk, Dale Williams, and Trace Smith Jr.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at The Guest House who loved and cared for Marilyn the last couple years of her life.  Truly, we couldn't have asked for a better staff.  You all took wonderful care of our mother!

Services will be held at Aulds Funeral Home, 7849 East Kings Highway, Shreveport, Louisiana 71115 with Bro. Joey Ketchum officiating.  Visitation will be Sunday, November 24, 2024, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.  Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 25, 2024, burial will follow at Hurricane Cemetery, 2213 Highway 519, Athens, Louisiana 71003.