Marilyn Espy's Obituary
LeVeta Marilyn Espy, age 94, of Centerville, passed away Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids.
Marilyn was born on April 1, 1932 in Centerville, Iowa, the daughter of Guy and Bertha (Stevens) McCoy. She graduated from Centerville High School in 1950 and was then employed as a Nurse Aide at St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital.
On June 4, 1951, she was married to Billie James Espy, and to this union, two daughters were born, Diann and Vicky Espy. After the heartbreaking loss of her husband at a young age, Marilyn demonstrated remarkable resilience. Determined to provide for her family and continue her passion for helping others, she returned to school to earn her Licensed Practical Nurse (L.P.N.) certification.
Throughout her nursing career, Marilyn served with compassion and dedication at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, the Knoxville Veterans Hospital, Golden Age Manor, and in Home Health Nursing. Her gentle presence and caring spirit touched countless lives over the years.
Outside of her work, Marilyn found her greatest joy in her family. She treasured time spent together-whether sharing meals, enjoying visits, or gathering for picnics. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome. She also had a special fondness for her beloved Yorkies - Buzzy, Mylee, and Mindee - who brought her much companionship and happiness.
Marilyn took pride in her yard and home, often spending peaceful hours tending to her flowers and keeping her surroundings beautiful. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was a devoted member of the Baptist church for many years.
Left to cherish Marilyn's memory are her daughter, Diann Hurtt; her grandchildren, Joedy Hurtt and Halley (John) Stinchfield; her great grandchildren, Jameson and Hannah Stinchfield; her siblings, Helen Stevens, LaDonna Arbogast, Carol (Vernon Jr.) Clark, Tom (Dana) McCoy; sister-in law-Linda McCoy, as well as several extended family members.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Berta McCoy; her husband, Billie Espy; her daughter, Vicky Espy; her son-in-law, Jim Hurtt; her sister, Betty (Lawrence) DeVore; her brother, Charles McCoy; and her brothers-in-law, Clyde Steves, Al Fowler and Ward Arbogast.
We would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful doctors and nurses at Mercy Hospital intensive care unit that took such wonderful care of her.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM, Monday, April 6, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville. Burial will follow the service at Haines Cemetery, north of Centerville. Visitation will take place Monday, April 6, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville, with the family greeting friends from 10:00-11:00AM. Memorials have been established to The Mercy Medical Center Foundation, to be used in the ICU Unit for the nurses, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Espy Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. You may also donate online at . Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome .
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