Marilyn Jean Garrels, 77, of Birmingham, Iowa passed away on December 20, 2024 at the Van Buren County Hospital in Keosauqua, Iowa. She was born on December 18, 1947 in Keokuk, Iowa to Oral Murphy and Edna McIntosh. She was raised by David Phillips and Edna McIntosh Phillips. She graduated from Williamstown High School (Missouri) in 1965. Marilyn married Francis Garrels on November 28, 1969 in Silvis, Illinois. He passed away on September 26, 2013.
Marilyn worked at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown, Iowa for 36 years. She enjoyed many hobbies including; listening to country music, gardening, planting and taking care of flowers, being outdoors, fishing, crocheting, and spending time with her family. She always had a smile on her face and was always happy to visit with family and friends. Marilyn had attended the Troy Methodist Church.
She is survived by her children, Jim (Julie) Garrels of Troy, Iowa, Tim (Diana) Garrels of Eldon, Iowa, Kim (Dennis Worth) Garrels of Eldon, Iowa, Christina (Larry) Padavich of Ottumwa, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Mitchell Garrels, Shannon Garrels, Megan Garrels, Mackenzie Garrels, Amber Collins, Hunter Collins, Zach Padavich, Zane Padavich; three great-grandchildren, Piper, Canaan, Jaxson; and six sisters, Linda Shirey, Angela Schaller, Yvonne Dudgeon, Carmon Lindsey, Pam Brisco, Gretchen Phillips.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; five brothers, Wayne “Jake” Murphy, Oral “Butch” Murphy, David Phillips Jr., Steve Phillips, Rocky Phillips; and five sisters, Donna Nelson, Shirley English, Mary Jane Page, Vickie Lair, and Robin Moffit.
A private family burial was held at the Iowaville Cemetery.
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