Marian Botha


Marian (Buyse) Botha, 87, born Mar. 16, 1933, entered the arms of her beloved Savior, finally free of Huntington's Disease on Apr. 4, 2020 in Carmichael, CA.


Born to missionary parents, Leonard and Daphne Buyse, in Congo Africa. She spent a lifetime serving the Lord as a missionary, pastor's wife and RN.


Predeceased by her husband, Hans Botha, she is survived by her brother Bob Buyse and her four children; Betty Ann, Derek, Leilani (Dan Dunmoyer) and Erika (Nate Daligcon), as well as 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. She was laid to rest on Apr. 17, 2020 at a small graveside service.


Much gratitude to Dr. Wheelock and her amazing team at UCDavis HD clinic for their care of our mother. "Mom, may you laugh joyfully, walk easily, engage brightly and rest peacefully... safe in God's arms at last." Totsiens

Marian Botha

Find-A-Grave

Per her obituary, Marian was born in the Belgian Congo where her parents were pioneer missionaries. At age 8, she was on board the Egyptian liner, the Zamzam, when it was sunk by a German destroyer. She, her parents, and other missionaries were taken prisoners of war.

Marian graduated from Mankato High School, Mankato, MN and Wheaton College, the latter where she earned a nursing degree in 1954. She married Hans Botha in 1956 in Wheaton.

They moved to South Africa, teaching and nursing in Swaziland, South Africa, and Namibia.

Marian spent the last of her nursing career at Mercy Hospital, Carmichael, CA, before retiring. Survived by her children Betty Ann, Derek, Leilani, and Erika; as well as one brother, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Predeceased by her husband Hans and her parents Leonard and Daphne Buyse.