Marilyn Walker, 91, died Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, at her home in Reasnor. Funeral services were at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 17, at Monroe United Methodist Church. Memorials may be designated to Reasnor Fire Department or Monroe United Methodist Church and may be left at the church or at Pence- Reese Funeral Home.
Marilyn Jean Walker, daughter of Lewie W. and Violet E. (Smith) Schultz, was born Aug. 10, 1934, in Newton. She graduated from the Newton Senior High School with the Class of 1952.
Aug. 31, 1956, Marilyn was united in marriage with Duane E. “Tuff” Walker in Reasnor. In earlier years, her life revolved around the Reasnor softball games, where she built lasting friendships and memories. Marilyn worked as a medical secretary for Maytag Company in Newton. She found peace and happiness in her garden, lovingly tending to her flowers with the same care she showed those around her. Marilyn was a devoted grandmother whose greatest joy came from cheering on her grandchildren at every game, concert, and school event—rarely missing a moment of their lives. A faithful prayer warrior, Marilyn lifted her family and friends in prayer daily, offering comfort and strength through her steadfast faith. She was a member of United Methodist Women and Choose To Lose. After the Reasnor church closed, she was warmly welcomed into the Monroe United Methodist Church, where she found a new church family and continued to live out her deep faith.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Duane on May 31, 2001; and a daughter Regina Sue Walker.
Those left to honor Marilyn’s memory include her son Kevin (Janell) Walker; her daughters Janna (Lance) Diekema and Connie (Jary) Hoskey; her grandchildren Kelsey (Austin) LaZella, Jenny Walker, Katie (Ross) Collins, Kaci (Matt) Mullen, Kylee (Noel) Wilson, Kodie (Matthew) Sternhagen, Sara (Allen) Fleener, Natalie (Lauryn) Camp, SSG Jon Lang, Nicki (Brian) Shores and family, Stacey Klein and family; her great-grandchildren Huxtyn and Gibson LaZella, Bode Eshelman, Walker, Ginny and Lillian Collins, Regina and Tillman Mullen, Alivia Miller, Kennedy, and Jaxon Fleener, Rowan, Quincy, and Zoie Camp; and her sister-in-law Shirley Funk.
The family would like to give special thanks to MercyOne Hospice, especially Jenna and Connie for the great care offered to their mother and grandmother.
