Marilyn Joyce Forlow, 89, of Richmond, passed away, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.

Marilyn was born on February 17, 1936, in Independence, the daughter of Otis Buford and Mildred Louise (Hampton) Land.  She was united in marriage to Donald Duncan Forlow of Independence on October 15, 1955; they enjoyed 69 years of marriage.

Survivors include: her husband, Donald, of Richmond; two daughters, Lynn (Larry) Jech and Lisa (Lonnie) Quick, both of Richmond; son, Craig (Cindy) Forlow of Lee's Summit; three grandsons: Brandon (Annie) Quick, Nate (Tara) Quick, and Zach (Erin) Forlow; nine great-grandchildren: Alayna, Paige, Kennedy, Adia, Avarie, Grayson, Gavin, Zoey, and Hunter; sister, Jackie (Bobby) Harrison of Independence; several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Ed Borg.

Marilyn was raised and educated in Kansas City, graduating from Northeast High School in 1955. Following their marriage they lived in Independence until 1972 when they moved to the country and made their home on a farm near Rayville. Marilyn embraced the rural lifestyle as a devoted housewife and homemaker, while Donald worked as an electrician. She kept a large garden, canned her harvest, raised chickens, and tended to a milk cow, all while caring for her beloved dogs who had plenty of room to roam.

From a young age, Marilyn was known for her beautiful singing voice. While growing up in Independence, she began singing early in life and later became a member of the Sweet Adelines, where she found joy in harmonizing with others. Marilyn and Donald were also active members of the Fort Osage Muzzle Loading Club—she proudly owned and used a custom muzzle loader made for her by her husband.

Marilyn was a gifted artist with a creative spirit. She explored several artistic mediums, including tole and watercolor painting, even teaching oil painting for a time. She also enjoyed ceramics, owning her own kiln and molds, and later developed a passion for China painting. A proud member of the Town and Country China Painters Club, Marilyn's talent was recognized at the Missouri State Fair in 2016 when her China painting portrait of Willie Nelson earned "Best in Show." That piece was later displayed at the China Painting Museum in Oklahoma for nearly a year.

In her later years, Marilyn especially enjoyed playing bingo daily at Shirkey's, where she brought her warm smile and vibrant personality to those around her.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Shirkey Hospice, Shirkey Nursing and  Rehabilitation, or the Ray County Arts Association.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

A celebration of life with food and refreshments will be held from 12:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the Shirkey Golf Course Club House in Richmond.  Inurnment will be at a later date in Mount Washington Cemetery, Independence.  Please remember to share your memories of Marilyn with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.