Marilyn Cowan

Marilyn Jean Cowan, age 85 of Kirksville, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday morning, September 9, 2016. She was born October 17, 1930, in Liscomb Iowa to Harlan H. and J. Voilet (Billington) Lay. Marilyn was united in marriage to E. Earl Cowan on December 24, 1948 and to this union two children were born.

She is survived by one brother, Andy W Lay of Sylmar CA; a daughter, Jody Merritt and her husband Don, of Pella IA and a son, Mark Cowan and his wife Charlotte, of Kirksville; six grandchildren: Reid Cowan, Luke Cowan, Andrew Cowan, and Hilary Merritt all of Kirksville, Joel Cowan and his wife Jamie of Muskogee OK, Stephanie Severns of Miramar FL; and two great-grandchildren: Travis Jacobs and Ayden Reed, of Kirksville.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brothers Jack M Lay and Jerry D Lay.

Marilyn earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from Northeast Missouri State College, (now Truman University), in 1969. She taught Home Economics for 8 years at the LaPlata Public Schools, followed by 14 years with the Kirksville R-III School District until retirement in 1991.

Marilyn was a member of the First Baptist Church of Kirksville; belonged to the Monday morning Ladies Bible study group, and the Sunday evening Life group. She served in various capacities in her church and community throughout her life. She had a gift of hospitality and enjoyed ministering to the needs of others. She delighted in her family and loved to cook, sew, swim, read, and garden. Marilyn’s prayers, and loving presence, will be sorely missed by her family and friends, though we rejoice that she is now in the presence of her Savior and Lord.

Marilyn was a member of the Ann Haynes Chapter of National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) since October 7, 1992. She was previous Chapter Regent from years 2010 – 2012. She was also a member of the National Huguenot Society, participating in the Missouri Chapter.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Kirksville. Officiating are Reverend Jason Marlin and Reverend Andy Lay. Music will be provided by Rebekah Jorgenson Stringert, and nephew Jamie Lay will sing one of Marilyn’s favorites, “The Love of God.” Burial will be alongside her husband in the Veterans Garden of Honor at Park View Memorial Gardens in Kirksville.

Casket bearers will be Reid, Joel, Luke, and Andrew Cowan, Marty and Jamie Lay. Honorary bearers will be Deacons from the First Baptist Church of Kirksville.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday (Sept. 23, 2016) at the funeral home.

Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home
2100 E. Shepherd Ave.
Kirksville, MO 63501 660-665-2233

An expression of sympathy in memory of Marilyn Cowan may be made to the First Baptist Church of Kirksville or Door of Hope, an organization ministering to the suffering church around the world. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, 2100 E Shepherd Ave., Kirksville MO 63501.