It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Marilyn Kay Elliott, who left us peacefully, on July 21, 2025. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines. The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at McLaren’s with burial following at Resthaven Cemetery.
Marilyn was born on August 19, 1940, to Roxie and Maxine Weddle. She graduated in 1958 from Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa. Living most of her young adult life in and around the West Des Moines area, she met and married the love of her life, her soulmate, Howie Elliott, in 1976. Raising a combined four children, they enjoyed 49 wonderful years of marriage, settling on a small acreage southwest of Cumming, Iowa, outside of Des Moines.
She was a devoted mother to 4, grandmother of 9, great grandmother of 11, and honorary “mom” and “grandma” and “Aunt M” to many others. In her professional life she worked as a secretary and office manager. Additionally, she worked many years as a server and bartender, forging countless friendships along with many other part-time jobs and volunteer positions. She couldn’t set still, yet she was always there to lend a helping hand.
She belonged to Phi Tau Omega Philanthropic Sorority/Kappa Chi Chapter, Cumming American Legion Post 562 Auxiliary, Booneville United Methodist Church, and Des Moines Home Builders Association, all providing her many opportunities to use her servant heart and contagious smile. She also loved to host, cook, craft, and collect. Marilyn and Howie loved to travel throughout the Western United States, making several trips through the mountainous and desert landscapes, with their beloved pets and camper in tow, memories abound.
Marilyn is survived by her husband, Howie; children, Mitch (Chris) Pinkerton, Matt (Angie) Elliott, David (Doris) Elliott, and Debra Faber; along with her grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jack Hon and John Weddle; and sister, Betty Snow.
Memorials can be made to Kappa Chi Chapter, Young Women’s Resource Center or the American Legion Post 562 Auxiliary.
