Marilyn Kay Martin, 82, of Lone Jack, MO, passed away Friday, July 5, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Marilyn was born on June 8, 1942, in Kansas City, MO, the daughter of Charles and Lucille (Dillard) Dyer.  She married James R. "Jim" Martin of Kansas City, on December 10, 1960, at her parent's home in Kansas City.  They raised six loving children and had a wonderful life together until he preceded her in death in 2010.  Marilyn always said that Jim was the best thing that ever happened to her, and now they are reunited.

Marilyn was born and raised in Kansas City, where she attended East High School and graduated in 1960. Marilyn was a very loving and thoughtful person and throughout her life, she wore many hats with grace and dedication. In addition to raising her family, she worked tirelessly on a farm, raising pigs and other livestock, gardening, and canning fruit and vegetables.  She was a wonderful cook, and her meatloaf, scalloped potatoes, sugar cookies, pear cobbler, and homemade pies will be especially missed.

Deeply involved in her children's education, Marilyn volunteered at the school, serving as a room mother, Girl Scout leader, and "Picture Lady," enriching the lives of many students. An avid collector, Marilyn had a particular fondness for pigs which was evident in her home with wall hangings, clothes, blankets, and outdoor decorations.

Family was at the heart of Marilyn's life. She cherished family get-togethers and spent countless hours with her children and grandchildren, following their school activities, sporting events, and dance performances with pride. She maintained a close bond with her grandchildren as pen-pals, leaving them with treasured letters filled with her love and wisdom. Marilyn had six children, 16 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Marilyn is survived by her children: Sue Martin of Oak Grove, Steve (Mona) Martin of Lee's Summit ,Shari (Charles) King of Bates City, Sandy (Ken) Conaway of Excelsior Springs, Melissa (Gary) Gillespie of Holden, and Becky (Richie) Moore of Lone Jack; grandchildren: Jennifer (Tony) Powell, Dustin Martin, Tabatha King, Richard (Errin) King, Catharine King, Veronica (Nick) Sievert, Tiffany (Richard) Fletcher, Tyler (Gracie) Gillespie, Nick Gillespie, Sarah Gillespie, Adrianna Moore, Savannah Moore, Brianna Moore, Hannah Moore, Landon Moore, Zandon Moore; and great-grandchildren: Christopher Martin, Matthew Shaw, Lucas Jones, Claire Sievert, Audrey Sievert, Benny Fletcher, Easton Fletcher, Caden Fletcher, Braxton Moore, and Presley Moore; three brothers: Larry Dyer of Oak Grove, Jim (Karen) Dyer of Oak Grove, and David (Candy) Dyer of Blue Springs; two sisters: Cheryl Morgan of Grain Valley and Debbie (Norman) Thomas of Buckner.  She will be forever in our hearts until we meet again.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and her sister, Linda Day.

Visitation with funeral services will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024, with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M., with services to follow at 11:00 A.M.  Graveside services will follow at 2:00 P.M. in Lone Jack Cemetery.  Following services, the family wishes to invite you to a luncheon and celebration of life at the Lone Jack Civic Center, located at 509 South Bynum Road, Lone Jack, MO 64070.  Please remember to share your memories of Marilyn with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.