Marilyn Martha Littlejohn

Marilyn Martha Littlejohn, adored mother, grandmother, and friend to many, passed away peacefully at the age of 86 in her home in Lee’s Summit, MO on November 23, 2024. She was born on April 25, 1938 in Cincinnati, OH to William and Martha Scott. She grew up mainly in southwest Ohio, and her love for horses persuaded her to attend Stephens College in Columbia, MO. It was while she was attending Stephens that she met her future husband, Robert “Bob”, who was attending the University of Missouri at the time, on a blind date. Even though she left Stephens after just one year and transferred to Wilmington College in Ohio, she continued to keep in touch with Bob. After graduating from Wilmington, she briefly taught school in the Cincinnati area before marrying Bob in August 1961. They eventually settled in Prairie Village, KS, and had three children. Marilyn stayed very busy raising her three kids, working as a travel agent, and giving tours of Kansas City. She also helped Bob manage their farm operations in Lafayette County, MO and Buchanan County, MO, and eventually took over operations after Bob passed away in 2019. She was a dedicated volunteer and member of many philanthropic organizations in the Kansas City area, including the Kansas City Symphony League, serving at one time as president, Lyric Opera Circle, the American Royal, and P.E.O. Her many contributions were recognized as a Hats Off to Mothers Honoree. She was also very passionate about the Littlejohn Legacy Research Award at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. Marilyn will be known for her vivacious spirit, her sheer determination, and her devotion to her family. She orchestrated many gatherings at the schoolhouse she and Bob bought and renovated near Higginsville, MO. Marilyn was full of life, making and keeping many lifelong friends. The family extends their appreciation to the outpouring of love and support that Marilyn received, especially during the last few months. She will be deeply missed by her family and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; and a daughter, Holly Davis. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Rob and Missy Littlejohn, of Norman, OK; her daughter and son-in-law, Christy and Matthew Mayo, of Leawood, KS; a son-in-law, John Davis, of Odessa, MO; five grandchildren, Megan Harris, Michael Mayo, Tanner Littlejohn, Patrick Mayo, and Madison Mayo; one great-grandson, Matthew Harris; and her brother, Tom Scott, of Middletown, OH.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 14th from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm, followed by service from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Rd, Kansas City, MO. A graveside service will be held the same day at 3:00 pm followed by a time of fellowship at Oak Grove Community Church and Cemetery, 129 NE 1150 Road, Higginsville, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care (https://kchospice.org/donate/)