Marilyn Evans Houston

Marilyn was a daughter. Marilyn was born in Windsor, Missouri, March 3, 1931 to Lynn Swalley and Mary Augusta (Gussie) Evans. She attended Deer Creek School through the 8th grade and graduated from Clinton High School in Clinton, Missouri as Salutatorian of the 1948 graduating class.

Marilyn was a teacher. Marilyn started teaching at Deer Creek school following her graduation from Clinton High School teaching in the winter and attending classes at UCM during the summer. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and began teaching in the Shawnee Mission School District the following September. She also taught in the Center School District, as well as the Colonial Presbyterian Church Preschool program. Marilyn retired from The Barstow School after teaching Pre-Kindergarten for over 16 years. In all, Marilyn taught school for 36 years loving every student as if they were her own son or daughter and inspiring many to follow in her footsteps.

Marilyn was a wife and mother. On June 22, 1958 she and Richard Earl Houston were married in the First Christian Church in Clinton, Missouri. To this union was born one son, Walter Lynn who was a joy to both she and Richard. Marilyn loved Lynn’s wife Pam as her own daughter; the special bond they shared was incredibly special to both.

Marilyn was a faithful church member. Regardless of the church she and her family attended, she participated in providing music and leadership to all the members of the congregation and their extended families.

Marilyn was talented in music, painting, crafts, and cooking. Marilyn was organist for the church in Clinton, MO, Red Bridge Christian Church, and Mt. Moriah Funeral Home in Kansas City, MO. She provided organ and piano music for many weddings, funerals, Masonic and Eastern Star meetings, and numerous other functions. Marilyn painted with acrylics and created many lovely paintings that shared in her home and with many of her friends. She also painted many aprons for Mic-O-Say ceremonies for Lynn and his friends; these aprons illustrated horses, snakes, waterfalls, and many other totems used by the Scouts in their ceremonies. Marilyn was also known for her cakes and cobblers that were enjoyed by many friends and family members at gatherings held throughout the years.

Marilyn was active in the community. Marilyn was a lifetime member of the NEA, a former member of Beta Sigma Phi, a past Worthy Matron and Past Grand Representative of Manitoba in Missouri for the Eastern Star, an active participant in Boy Scout Troop 59 as well as many other volunteer opportunities that she participated in throughout the years.

Marilyn was a grandmother. Her granddaughter, Sarah Nicole and grandson, Travis Andrew were the joy of her life. She loved Travis’ wife Jana as her own granddaughter and loved her step-grandchildren Hillary, Ryan and their spouses Ethan and Blythe as they joined the family several years ago. It pleased Marilyn greatly that Sarah, Travis, Jana, and Hillary became teachers as they finished their college careers.

Marilyn was a good neighbor and friend to all. Marilyn as always ready to help anyway she could. She loved antique furniture, fine china, crystal, and family heirlooms. Her roses were always shared with others.

Marilyn’s book of life closed at The Benton House of Olathe on February 26, 2021. Her survivors include her husband of 62 years, Richard, her son, Lynn and his wife, Pam, grandchildren Sarah, Travis (Jana), Hillary (Ethan), and Ryan (Blythe). She is also survived by many friends who she loved dearly as well as all of the memories we take of Marilyn and her life.

A graveside celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 1:00pm at Mount Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marilyn’s name to the Heart of America Council-Boy Scouts of America, 10210 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131; https://www.hoac-bsa.org/give