02/26/2010
Marilyn Elizabeth Murphy was born on August 11, 1967, in Des Moines, Iowa to John Edward and Carolyn Jean (Polito) Murphy. She was the first of three children.
Marilyn was raised in Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville High School, class of 1985.
After high school, she graduated from Truman University majoring in music. She received
her graduate degree in music from Arizona State University. After college Marilyn
joined the Peace Corps and lived in Guatemala helping families for three years.
She moved to Des Moines and worked for Latino Affairs. After two years she moved
to Ecuador. She lived in Ecuador for five years helping the Peace Corps.
Since 2005 Marilyn has been working for Heifer International and she was also a
certified Yoga instructor. Marilyn was currently in the process of moving to Ames, Iowa.
Marilyn passed away on Friday, February 26, 2010, at her sister’s home in Ames at the age of 42 years, six months, and 15 days.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents Paul and Hannah Murphy, and her grandfather, Paul Vander Linden. Marilyn is survived by her parents, John and Carolyn Murphy of Knoxville; grandmother, Betty Vander Linden of Ames; one brother, Patrick (CeAnn) Murphy of Juneau, Alaska; and one sister, Dianna (Dan) Jordan of Ames. Marilyn is also survived by three nephews, Craig, Nicholas, and Joseph Jordan.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, March 6th, at Collins Christian Church of Collins, Iowa, with Pastor Scott Jones officiating. A private family burial will be held at Little Flock Cemetery in rural Knoxville at a later date.
A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., Friday, March 5th, at the Winfield-Evans-McCleery Funeral Home in Knoxville. A rosary will be led at 6:00 P.M., also on Friday at the funeral home. Marilyn’s family will greet friends from 6:30 P.M., until 9:00 P.M.