NEWS: Donna Rae Garff Marriott, Beloved Wife of J.W. “Bill” Marriott Jr., Passes Away at 90

Donna Rae Garff Marriott, wife of J.W. “Bill” Marriott Jr., chairman emeritus of Marriott International, passed away at the age of 90. She and her husband recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Chairman emeritus of Marriott International, J.W. “Bill” Marriott Jr., with wife Donna Rae Garff Marriott in their younger years

Born on June 10, 1935, in Evanston, Illinois, Donna Rae Garff grew up in Salt Lake City, where she developed a lifelong love for music and dance. She attended the University of Utah, where she met Bill Marriott in 1955. The couple married that same year, beginning a life dedicated to family, faith, and service.

“I first met the girl of my dreams sitting on a bench at a bus stop at the University of Utah,” said Bill Marriott. “She has blessed my life and the lives of our children and grandchildren for over 70 years. It has been a joyful marriage and partnership. I will dearly miss her. I love her with all of my heart.”

Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International, shared, “Donna’s kindness and devotion touched everyone who knew her. She exemplified grace and strength, and her love for family was evident in everything she did. Our hearts are with Mr. Marriott, David, Debbie, John, and the entire Marriott family as they navigate this profound loss.”

Donna Rae Garff Marriott is survived by her husband, Bill Marriott; children Debbie (and her husband, Ron), John (and his wife, Muriel), David (and his wife, Carrie); daughters-in-law Juliana Marriott and Angela Marriott; 15 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; sisters Joanne (Ray Hart) and Linda (Michael Rutter); sister-in-law Suzanne Cooper; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dick and Nancy Marriott; and many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her son, Stephen; her parents, Royal and Marba Garff; her father’s second wife, Maxine; and her brother, Dennis Garff.