Marilyn Church

Marilyn Ann Church, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, in Kansas City, Kansas, at the age of 76. Born on February 23, 1949, in Manhattan, Kansas, Marilyn's warmth, generosity, and radiant smile left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her kindness knew no bounds.

Family was the cornerstone of Marilyn’s life. Married to the love of her life, Edwin, for 51 joyful years, the two built a strong, close-knit family rooted in love and faith. She is survived by Edwin; her children, Bret (Amanda), Lori Kopp (Brian), and Wade (Stephanie); her treasured grandchildren, Luke (22), Ethan (18), Emma (10), Macy (6), and Kara (1); and her brother, James (Patricia). Her legacy of love and compassion lives on through each of them.

Marilyn devoted her professional life to teaching, inspiring generations of students with her creativity and joyful curiosity. She believed in learning through play and thoughtful questions—and was endlessly delighted by the unexpected wisdom of her “kids.”

A nurturer by nature, Marilyn found joy in caring for others. She was known for her amazing hugs, delicious desserts, infectious humor, unwavering support for friends, and active service in her church. Her family lovingly called her “Grandma Anything Goes,” a tribute to her open heart and adventurous spirit.

She now reunites in heaven with her beloved son, Adam Paul; her parents, Josephine (Newton) and Ernest Verschelden; and her brother, Richard Verschelden.

A rosary will be held in Marilyn’s honor at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Basehor, KS, on June 2, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 2 p.m. A burial service will take place at Lyons Municipal Cemetery on June 6, 2025, at 1 p.m., with a Celebration of Life to follow at 1:30 p.m. at the People's Bank and Trust Community Room, 101 E Main St, Lyons, KS 67554.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to USD 405 Endowment Fund, 800 S Workman St., Lyons, KS 67554, or to the Alzheimer's Association.

Marilyn’s life was a beautiful testament to the power of faith, love, and family. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.