Marilyn E. Russie
January 18, 2019
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Service Details
Marilyn E. Russie, 87, passed away January 18, 2019. Marilyn was born July 9, 1931 in Lenox, Iowa to Harold J. and Helen G. (Clute) Ethington, the youngest of five children. She graduated from Ames High School and then Iowa State University. She met her husband, Alvin Clare Russie while in college and the couple married after graduation. Marilyn was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. She later returned to college for her Master’s in Business at Drake University.
Marilyn spent her career working at Allied Insurance here in Des Moines and attained the position of Vice President. She was a Master Gardener, and she and Clare traveled extensively in search of “natural beauty” to quote Marilyn.
She will be greatly missed by her children, Randi (Tom Woollems) Russie, Ren (Judy) Russie, Bobbie (Tracy Hinshaw) Russie, and Becky Russie; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and siblings.
Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa with visitation on Wednesday, January 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. and the memorial service on Thursday, January 24 at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Clive Community Services, 2190 NW 82nd St., Ste. A, Clive, IA 50325 which is a food pantry and clothes closet serving largely refugees of Burma (now Myanmar). Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Lisa Earles
01/25/2019
I knew Marilyn through her work with Clive Community Services. She was a hard-working, dedicated lady who continued to keep tabs on our work and offer feedback even after she was no longer able to serve on the board or come to our building. We remember her kindness, dedication, and the thorough work she did and honor her memory. I am glad I was able to know her, if only for a short time.
Shelley Bain
01/22/2019
Marilyn was a joy to work with as a Master Gardener - always positive, knowledgeable, and helpful. So sad to hear of the passing of such a lovely woman.
Margaret Spikes
01/20/2019
Marilyn was an important contributor to the ISU Polk County Master Gardeners. She was part of a number of committees and managed finances for several years. She was very thorough, insightful and detailed. She helped co-author a number of grants and did as much as she was able in the gardens. I was privileged to know such a classy lady! She was one of a kind. RIP Marilyn.
Eunice Christensen
01/20/2019
When I moved to Walnut Ridge (following my husband's death in 2014), I was blessed to have an apartment next door to Marilyn. She was so welcoming and helpful to me. We were partners in a scavenger hunt, and won FIRST PRIZE! Marilyn contributed so much while she lived here. I loved the Operation Christmas Child she organized. It no longer is happening since Marilyn left W.R. She also lined up the garden spaces for us, and did so much for the Clive community. What an amazing woman! She enriched the lives of ALL she knew. I thank God for bringing Marilyn into my life. Sincerely, Eunie Christensen
Don and Shari
01/19/2019
Sorry for the loss of your mom! Marilyn was a special lady! Sweet and loving to anyone she met. We never made it down to Iowa to visit but we always enjoyed when her and Claire would come up here to visit! Both were so inclusive of anyone, extended family or friend. It was always a joy to go over and visit when they were in town and seeing fun memories on FB.