Marilyn McDanel's Obituary
Marilyn McDanel, 89, of Centerville, passed away at 7:50 am on December 4, 2019, at Wayne County Hospital in Corydon, Iowa. Marilyn was born on August 31, 1930, in Centerville, Iowa, to Clem and Jennie (Street) Kinnamon, and graduated from Centerville High School in 1948. Marilyn shared how vivid the memory was of her baptism: her dress, the walk down the hall into the baptismal tank, and being immersed. She was 7 years old, and at 89 years old, she stated she made this decision on her own, and understood what she was doing. This was her source of strength for the many challenges her life would have. Her father passed away when she was 5 years old. She was devoted to her family and would stand on a chair to cut her mother's hair, worked in the gardens, and in later years, worked in retail stores. She would save some money, as permitted by her mother, to purchase fabric and sew her own clothes, a skill that she used to benefit sons and their extended families, along with friends, until she physically could not continue. A young man, Ronald (Bud) McDanel, and Marilyn had their initial dates by attending church services together. They were married on July 26, 1948, in Eureka, Kansas (where her sister Mildred, resided). They were married (18 days shy of) 54 years, until Bud's passing away in 2002. This marriage birthed and raised 5 boys while living on the farm. She worked long hours doing her best as a farm wife, as a mother, and as a friend. She arose at 4 am daily, which became a normal routine. Her kitchen was always open for anyone that dropped in. Everyone felt welcomed at her house, with food and friendship. After the boys grew up and left home, she and Bud traveled in an Airstream trailer. She designed, and helped Bud, in creating many painted wooden craft items. She painted many pictures, and many were given away. She assisted Bud in building and decorating 5 playhouses for the grandchildren's enjoyment. With the onset of grandchildren, Marilyn spearheaded fun, wholesome, engaging activities for them. She found a way to spend time with each one, making each feel special to spend time with her. As the families grew, Marilyn found it best to offer an annual, all expenses paid, trip to Adventureland in Altoona. Marilyn and Bud would bring large boxes and coolers filled with food and refreshments. She loved spending time with each one, sharing, offering a listening ear; and, when asked, giving advice. She freely shared her gifts and possessions with any and all. It was common for her to add levity to tense situations; with humor housed in kindness and joy. Bud lost his eyesight, creating the need to quit farming, auctioning off the farm, and moving to Centerville into a house that was Bud's father's previous home, in which her input was requested and implemented in its design. Her time was devoted to Bud as a full-time caregiver. She began having large monthly themed-based gatherings. She planned the menu, fixed the food, decorated the table, made personalized decorations for each place setting; and always included an amazing creative cake for the centerpiece, i.e. a John Deere tractor, a flag, a turkey, etc. She was well known for baking glazed donuts, cinnamon rolls, and freshly baked breads. One lesser-known talent was teaching herself how to play stringed instruments. She was drawn to writing out poetry and recipes. She felt inspired to write, and at times, entire poems came to her mind quickly. Over the years, she published three books: two poetry books and one cookbook. Her latest poetry book was published in November of this year. Her hope was to share her life lessons and skills with family and friends to assist them in ways that would enrich their lives after she left us. She still was making plans to teach, days before her passing. Marilyn is survived by her children: Derrill (Wendy) McDanel of Ocala, Florida; Dan (Sharon) McDanel of Moravia, Iowa; Dallas (Chris) McDanel of Moravia, Iowa; David (Rebecca) McDanel of Ottumwa, Iowa; and Dean (Susan) McDanel of Pleasant Hill, Iowa; grandchildren: Lisa (Tony) Loyd, Mindy (Bill) Johnson, Michelle (Jason) Hall, Monica (Lance) Risher, Melanie Templeton, D.J. (Cherish) McDanel, Dawn (Brian) Bell, Matthew (Emily) McDanel, Abram (Shelby) McDanel, Mahala McDanel, Annie McDanel, Eli McDanel, Chad McDanel, and Emily McDanel. She is also survived by step-grandchildren: Diane Rogers, Danelle (Ryan) Sims, and Nicholas (Jennifer) McNaul; 26 great grandchildren, and 7 step-great grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by a brother-in-law, John Marlin, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bud, and his siblings; 8 siblings; grandson Mark McDanel, and step grandson, John McVeigh McDanel. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 9, 2019, and visitation will take place from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, 2019, both at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa. Interment will follow the funeral at Hillcrest Cemetery in Moravia, Iowa. Memorials may be made to the Moravia Music Department. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Marilyn McDanel please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Hillcrest Cemetery Moravia, IA Visitation DEC 8. 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (CST) Thomas Funeral Home-Centerville 501 North 18th StreetCenterville, IA 52544http://www.thomasfh.com Funeral Service DEC 9. 10:00 AM (CST) Thomas Funeral Home-Centerville 501 North 18th StreetCenterville, IA 52544http://www.thomasfh.com
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