Marilyn was born December 5, 1951, in Okarche, Oklahoma. She was baptized in 1962 at the First Baptist in Geary, Oklahoma. Shet attended Geary school, where she was involved in numerous activities including Order of the Rainbow, Drama Club, Cheerleader, Girl’s State delegate, band, editor of the high school paper and annual staff. She attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where she was homecoming queen candidate and dormitory president. She completed her education at Oklahoma State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Home Economics. Marilyn married Mark Matli in 1974.

After graduation, Mark and Marilyn resided in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, where they had their first child Jennifer in 1976. The family later moved to Tulsa where their son Marcus was born in 1979. The family established the Harvest Hills Veterinary Clinic in Oklahoma City and relocated to Piedmont in 1983. They became active members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where Mark played in the Monk’s Band and Marilyn taught Sunday School together. Their third child Trevar Ryan was born in September 1983.