Marilyn Maxine Wiley, 82, of Keosauqua, IA passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, IA. As were her wishes, her body has been cremated. Visitation will be held from noon until 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at the Cranston-Pedrick Funeral Home in Keosauqua, IA.
A memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Larry Shipley officiating. Burial of the cremains will be held in the Center Chapel Cemetery immediately following. Memorial contributions in Marilyn’s honor may be directed to the Center Chapel Cemetery Association, Wounded Warrior Project, or to the Keosauqua Health Care Center (formerly Good Sam.) Friends may leave online condolences
at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Marilyn Maxine Wiley was born on December 31, 1940, in Donnellson, IA, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Helen Krebill Hervey. Marilyn attended Enterprise Country School and later graduated from Keosauqua High School. She married the love of her life, Jim Wiley, on June 8, 1958, and together they built a beautiful life on the family farm. Marilyn was a loving wife and mother, always putting the needs of her family first. Throughout her life, Marilyn held various jobs that allowed her to care for others. She worked as a cook for many years for the Van Buren Community School District at the Douds Elementary. Later, she dedicated over 30 years of her life as a nurses’ aide at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Keosauqua. Even after her retirement, Marilyn continued to volunteer at the nursing home, taking residents on rides to different appointments and day trips. Her compassionate heart and dedication to helping others will always be remembered.
In her free time, Marilyn enjoyed tending to her beautiful garden, where she grew an array of colorful flowers with many decorative fiercely guarded gnomes. Her love for nature extended to her passion for horses, which she often shared with her children and grandchildren. Marilyn also found solace in crocheting, creating intricate and heartfelt gifts for her loved ones.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, James Wiley; infant son, Ricky Lee Wiley; brother, Hollis Hervey; and her parents.
She is survived by her children, Randy (Melinda) Wiley of Cantril, IA, Linda (Stan) Whitten of Keosauqua, IA, Wesley (Carrie) Wiley of Colorado and Rob (Beth) Wiley of Keosauqua, IA. Marilyn was blessed with nine grandchildren, Eric (Jeni) Wiley, Miranda (Mark) Levin, Kyla (Ryan) Loucks, Noah (Mary) Whitten, Hallie Whitten, Shannon (Mike) Tucker, Jacob (Meagan) Wiley, Colton Wiley, and Hannah Wiley, as well as thirteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Roberta Leuck, Roger (Nyla) Hervey, and Sharon Clark, along with many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.
Marilyn’s memory will live on through the countless lives she touched with her tenacious spirit and unwavering loyalty. Her family and friends will forever cherish the moments spent with her and the lessons she taught them about hard work, honoring commitments, and the importance of family.
