Marlys Florence Erps

Marlys Florence Erps, 84, of Davenport, IA, passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at Ridgecrest Village. Per her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. Marlys will be laid to rest at Oakdale Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Scott County Humane Society.

Marlys was born on June 11, 1941, in Donnan, IA to parents Wilmer and Charlotte (Sherman) Buechele. She graduated from West Union High School in 1958 and attended Upper Iowa university, where she earned a bachelor’s degree.  She obtained her master’s degree in education from UNI in 1969 and became a teacher. Marlys worked at a variety of schools in Iowa and no matter where she went, her passion for education remained steadfast.

Marlys believed education didn’t start and stop at the classroom door. She sought knowledge wherever she could find it. She visited many countries over the years and learned multiple languages during her journeys. Marlys was also a member of Mensa Society and a math coach at Harrison Elementary leading to competitions at the state level.

Marlys even met her beloved husband at school. Robert “Bob” Erps, the school’s carpenter, kept showing up to Marlys’ classroom to inspect a ceiling tile, but it turned into something more. The pair married on February 10, 1981 and remained in love until death parted them. Bob preceded Marlys in death on April 16, 2006.

Beyond education, Marlys also made her mark as the first woman in the Midwest to earn a black belt in Taekwondo. In her spare time, she enjoyed appreciating wild animals and caring for her own beloved dogs and cats.

Marlys leaves behind a breadth of meaningful work that impacted those around her.

She is survived by her son; Daniel (Fadia) Bashore; grandchildren, Kristin and Thomas, and niece, Jamie Stocker.

Marlys was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bob, and her siblings, Diane Flaherty and Gail Lofte.