Marilyn Constance Harrison passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026 at the age of 87. She was born August 30, 1938 to Clyde Brattin Merritt and Margaret Blanche Merritt (Brett) in Neosho, Missouri.

Most of Marilyn’s early years were in Webb City, Missouri and Ottawa, Kansas and she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Pittsburgh State University in Kansas in 1962. Soon after starting college, Marilyn met Myril Alfred Harrison, the love of her life, who also resided in Ottawa, Kansas. They met at the local grocery store and became acquainted when Myril began giving her rides home for weekend visits. Myril finally asked Marilyn out on a date and they were married in Ottawa July 19, 1959.

Following their wedding, Marilyn and Myril lived in Kansas City, Missouri and then Sioux City, Iowa where they started a family and met many of their lifelong friends. The majority of their years were spent in West Des Moines, Iowa where they raised their four children.

Marilyn was a dedicated mother, home maker, and super mom. She was the ultimate hostess and loved to cook, bake and plan special family gatherings and holidays. She also loved a good game of cards and those close to her nicknamed her “Wingdinger.” She spent many years schlepping their four children to baseball, basketball, dance, scouts, church, swimming and music lessons, and other activities. She was a model of love and helping others and she regularly volunteered in her community, including at St.Timothy’s Episcopal Church and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church where she served on the vestry.

As the kids matured, she began substitute teaching for West Des Moines Schools, and served as a secretary for Drake University’s psychology department in Des Moines from 1984 to 1986. She had a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit and published MacRescue, a word processing manual to the Mac. She earned a Master of Science Degree in education from Drake University in 1988 where she focused on Special Education. She was passionate about helping special needs students and served Johnston School District as a special education teacher from 1986 to 1993. Marilyn was nominated for a State of Iowa Teacher of the Year award in 1992, and she was nominated and was a finalist for a Distinguished Teacher of the Year award by the University of Iowa in 1993. She served as a special education consultant at Heartland Area Education Agency in Johnston from 1993 to 2001.

Marilyn wanted nothing more than a loving family. They enjoyed many hours boating and waterskiing at nearby lakes and countless camping trips to many of the country’s national parks. They especially loved camping in the mountains of Colorado and spent their final years in Lakewood, Colorado.

Marilyn is survived by her four children: Christopher (Kristine) Harrison, Jennifer Harrison (Mike), Sarah (Stephen) Reynolds, and Lynn (Benjamin) Flach, eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and cousins Bill Brett, Susan Brett Herod, Mary Brett Lee and many, many friends and family members.

Marilyn and Myril were inseparable and had more than 70 years together until Myril passed in August of 2025. A funeral service will be held on June 5th at 11 am at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Lunch to follow. 5720 Urbandale Ave Des Moines, IA 50312. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation.

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