Marilyn Kelch Gubler is the heart and soul of Sandy Valley Ranch—a true Westerner whose story is deeply tied to the land, the people, and the pioneering spirit of Southern Nevada.
Her parents arrived in Las Vegas in 1939, among the city’s earliest pioneers, and helped shape its future by founding the valley’s first radio station. That independent, can-do spirit carried through generations and found its fullest expression in Marilyn’s lifelong love of horses, ranch life, and the open desert.
From riding her horse to school as a young girl to building a working ranch from the ground up, Marilyn’s path has always followed the rhythm of the West. In 1997, she discovered a quiet stretch of desert in Sandy Valley and knew instantly she had found something special. What followed was years of determination, vision, and hands-on work—transforming raw desert into what is now Sandy Valley Ranch.
Long before Sandy Valley Ranch took shape, this desert valley was part of the historic Old Spanish Trail—an early trade route connecting Santa Fe and California. Traders, mule trains, explorers, and pioneers once crossed this rugged landscape, helping shape the story of the American West. When Marilyn discovered Sandy Valley, she recognized not just its beauty, but its history. She built the ranch to preserve that legacy—honoring the land, its past, and the enduring spirit of those who came before.
Long before Sandy Valley Ranch took shape, this desert valley was part of the historic Old Spanish Trail—an early trade route connecting Santa Fe and California. Traders, mule trains, explorers, and pioneers once crossed this rugged landscape, helping shape the story of the American West. When Marilyn discovered Sandy Valley, she recognized not just its beauty, but its history. She built the ranch to preserve that legacy—honoring the land, its past, and the enduring spirit of those who came before.
Opened in 2000, the ranch reflects Marilyn’s belief in authenticity, hospitality, and preserving the traditions of the Old West. From its earliest days, Sandy Valley Ranch has been shaped by respect for the land, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to sharing Western life with others.
In recognition of her dedication and leadership, Marilyn received a Legacy Award from the Nevada Lung Association—an honor that reflects not only her work at the ranch, but her lasting impact beyond it.
Today, Sandy Valley Ranch remains a family endeavor, guided by Marilyn’s original vision and values. Her legacy lives on in every trail ride, gathering, and quiet desert sunrise—an enduring tribute to the Western spirit she set out to preserve.
Sandy Valley Ranch has always been a family endeavor. Marilyn’s husband, Thomas “Tommy D” DiGiacomo, brings his own larger-than-life personality to the ranch, blending East Coast roots with a deep love for Western culture. Known around the ranch as SVR’s “Italian Cowboy,” Tommy D has been part of the ranch’s story for many years, adding creativity, humor, and heart to everyday life at SVR.
Marilyn’s children have also helped shape the ranch in their own unique ways. Her daughter, Laura Dahl, is a former fashion designer and entrepreneur whose creative background and family-centered values continue to influence the ranch’s spirit. Laura and her husband, Timothy Dahl, are the founders of Built by Kids, a nationally recognized project that celebrates hands-on creativity and family connection—values that align closely with the ranch’s mission.
Her son, Matthew Gray Gubler, brings an artistic and storytelling dimension to Sandy Valley Ranch. As an actor, director, and creative professional, Matthew has helped introduce the ranch to wider audiences through film, television, and music projects, many of which have been created on-site.
Together, Marilyn and her family have ensured that Sandy Valley Ranch is not just a place, but a living legacy—rooted in creativity, tradition, and a shared love of the West.
