Sentinel staff report–
The family of an 87-year-old woman who died after being knocked over by a fleeing robbery suspect at a Citrus Heights Rite Aid sent a statement to media Sunday evening, remembering her as a loving, supportive wife, mother and grandmother.
The statement said family members desired to “put a human face” to the surveillance footage being run on local and regional media that shows the woman, Marilyn Ann Stribley, being knocked to the floor while she entered the Rite Aid store at the corner of Auburn Boulevard and Van Maren Lane on Nov. 27th. Stribley turned 87 two days after the incident occurred and passed away in the hospital on Dec. 1st.
In a statement published in full by Fox 40 on Sunday, the family wrote:
“As a small connected family we are obviously reeling from this sudden and senseless loss. We have watched for days the re-running of the tape. Social media, especially in Citrus Heights, has shown an outpouring of compassion for this woman without a name. We would like to put a human face to the lady knocked down during the robbery. The details of what happened, everyone has seen. Progress towards apprehending the suspects will be left to law enforcement.
Marilyn was born in 1930 and raised in Long Beach, CA. She married William Stribley in 1951, a veteran of the Army Air Corp in WWII. They raised two daughters, Sheryl and Tamara. The family was typical, hardworking, great ethics, family values and based on love and respect. Sheryl and her husband relocated to this area in 1993. Several years later Tamara and her husband also move north from SoCal. Marilyn and Bill followed in 2000.
Marilyn and her daughters spoke daily. Birthdays, holidays, family vacations we were always together and there was always laughter and joy. Marilyn would always make you feel you were the most important, smartest person in the room. She was always interested in what you thought. She was humble and loving towards her sons-in-law and her grandson. Speaking as a son-in-law, I could not have had a more supportive, non-judgemental, loving mother-in-law. Her neighbors always commented on how much they enjoyed her company. She lost her husband in 2014 and has lived independently in Citrus Heights. She was known by her first name when she walked into Rite Aid and the staff there has led us to believe she was one of their favorite customers. Last month she proudly renewed her drivers license, continuing to cherish her mobility, do her own shopping and getting out in the community.
Her family adored her, loved her and will fondly remember the lady in this picture as “mom” who always had a smile for everyone. One consoling factor, none of us has any “if only I had said or done” thoughts. Love was always present and expressed openly. We continue to be in shock over the sudden loss. The emotions of sadness and shock have been with us all week. Honestly, some anger is setting in. But because of the fundamentals Marilyn taught her daughters and the family values that continued in the extended family, Marilyn leaves behind a small, close knit family that is supporting one another. We have a strong faith and so many prayers throughout our support groups and from strangers have given us the strength to get through this tragedy. We know Marilyn has gone home to the Lord, is in peace and free from her recently broken body. Knowing this doesn’t eliminate the emotions but does help get us through the days. Marilyn Ann Stribley, wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Marilyn will be laid to rest along side her husband of 63 years at the VA Cemetery in Dixon.”
Neighbors also had pleasant memories of Stribley, with one woman telling KCRA 3 on Sunday that the 87-year-old would always have a Christmas tree out in her front yard each year. “She’s just a very sweet lady,” the neighbor said. “We enjoyed her and we’re gonna miss her a lot.”
A reward of up to $10,000 has been offered by the Rite Aid Corp. for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the robbery suspects. CBS 13 reported on Monday that the Citrus Heights Police Department’s tip line has been “inundated” with calls, following the incident.
See suspect photos in prior story: $10,000 reward offered after Rite Aid robbery