Marilyn Rose Smith, 89, of Keosauqua and formerly of Douds, IA passed away surrounded by her loving family on Friday, April 1, 2022, at the Van Buren Health Care Center in Keosauqua. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at the Christ United Methodist Church in Douds, IA with Pastor Mary Kathryn Hart officiating. Burial will be held in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery near Douds immediately following the service. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at the Christ United Methodist Church and will last until the time of service. Memorial contributions in Marilyn’s honor may be directed to the Christ United Methodist Church or to the Zion Lutheran Cemetery Association and may be mailed c/o Pedrick Funeral Home, P.O. Box 516, Keosauqua, IA 52565. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Marilyn Rose Smith (called “Rose Bud” by her husband Keith) was born on January 30, 1933, in Van Buren County, IA to Stanley and Minnie McCurdy Gire. She attended school in Douds and completed her GED through Indian Hills Community College. Marilyn was united in marriage to Keith Smith on December 26, 1948. This was the first chapter in a story that lasted over 67 years. They began their life
living in a silver trailer on the home place near Douds. Together they became the loving parents of three children: Anita, Kendall and Dennis. As the family grew, they eventually moved a house to the property and Keith and Marilyn would make it their home. Marilyn loved her job as a mother and wife. She enjoyed spending time in her garden and knitting afghans for family and friends and was a lifetime member of the Legion Auxiliary holding many offices over the years. Marilyn always had a passion for music and was a gifted singer and pianist. She sang at many funerals and weddings with her close friend June Pedrick. Together they sang at the inauguration for Governor Robert Ray. Even as her health declined, music remained a big part of her life as she played the piano for her fellow residents at the Keosauqua Health Care Center. Marilyn was a natural caretaker who cared deeply for her family and friends. She will be deeply missed.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Keith (2015), and a granddaughter, Regan Smith (2018).
Left to share her story are her children, Anita (David) Miller of Batavia, IA, Kendall Smith of Douds, IA, and Dennis (Cheryl) Smith Bettendorf, IA; five grandchildren, Amy (Clint) Watkins, Abby (Shannon) Rostetter, Justin (Beth) Smith, Anthony Stopoulos, and Thomas (Tera) Stopoulos; seven great grandchildren, Joshua Watkins, Samantha Watkins, Connor Watkins, Ryan Rostetter, Elias Stopoulos,
Dimitrious Stopoulos, and Rosalyn Stopoulos, as well as many extended family and friends.
