Marilyn Viola Rapp

Marilyn Viola (Brown) Rapp, 89 of Des Moines passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024. Her last days were spent in the loving care of the staff from Silver Crest/Woodlands Creek and Hospice.

Marilyn was born in Ottumwa, Iowa on August 18, 1934 where she spent her childhood. At the age of 18, a handsome young man on a motorcycle caught her eye and they were soon married. Together, they made a home in Fremont, Ottumwa, Richland then Des Moines, Iowa. While in Richland, she raised her family and was an active volunteer at her daughters’ school, the United Methodist Church and was a Girl Scout leader. In 1999, she and Clyde moved to Des Moines to be near their children and grandchildren. In Des Moines, she was an active member of New Hope United Methodist Church and volunteered for her daughter at the IMMC/Blank Guild and Des Moines Christian School. However, you would not find Clyde and Marilyn home in the winter months as they relocated to their home in sunny Texas.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Shirley Blankenship (Gary) and Karen Kehoe (Tom); two grandchildren, Kelly Schifsky (Tim) and Megan Johnston (Heath); one step-granddaughter, Amber Blankenship (John Arkulari); two great-grandchildren, Graham and Isla; and two step-great-grandchildren, Preston and Ryan. Preceding her in death was her husband of 51 years, Clyde Rapp and brothers Ernie, Emmett and Ronald Brown.

To honor Marilyn’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to New Hope United Methodist Church: Women’s Circle; Des Moines, Iowa or Des Moines Christian School; Urbandale, Iowa.

While leaving mom after a visit, she would always say, “Drive carefully!”

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