A visitation will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Stevens Memorial Chapel in Ames. On Friday, April 17, 2026, a time for food and fellowship will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., also at Stevens Memorial Chapel. A funeral service celebrating Marilyn’s life will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the same location. Immediately afterward, a graveside service will be held at Ames Municipal Cemetery in Ames, Iowa.
Marilyn was born on August 9, 1940, to Mildred (Tweedy) and Harry Lee and raised near Lockridge, Iowa. She had fond memories of growing up on the Lee family farm with her brother, Guerdon, and sisters Margaret and Linda. She attended a one-room schoolhouse through eighth grade before continuing her education at Fairfield High School. It was there that she met her high school sweetheart, Jim Sheets.
After graduation, Marilyn attended Parsons College in Fairfield, where she began studying elementary education with the goal of becoming a kindergarten teacher. She and Jim were married on November 27, 1960. Marilyn moved to Ames while Jim attended Iowa State University. During that time, she worked as a telephone operator and in Iowa State University’s Counseling and Testing Department.
In 1962, Marilyn and Jim welcomed their first child, Brian, and later that year moved to Cedar Rapids for Jim’s position with Link-Belt Equipment. During that time, they brought three more children into the world (Lori, David and Amy). In 1985, Marilyn and Jim moved their family back to Ames when Jim took a position at Sundstrand (Danfoss). Marilyn devoted her life to her family, raising four children with love, care, and dedication. She embraced the many roles of motherhood while creating a warm and supportive home.
Marilyn found joy in growing flowers and vegetables in their large garden. She had a special gift for finding four-leaf clovers everywhere she went. Marilyn remembered everyone’s birthdays and being together to celebrate them brought her great happiness. She made every holiday special by going all out with food, decorations, and thoughtful gifts.
Traveling and camping throughout the United States, especially to numerous state and national parks, created lasting memories for her, Jim, and the family. Their favorite campsite was at their forested acreage near Lockridge, Iowa. In the early 2000’s, Marilyn and her younger sister Linda soared through the sky in Southeast Iowa in a hot air balloon. Jim and Marilyn enjoyed participating in car shows with their Mustang cars and were dedicated Iowa State fans.
Marilyn is survived by her loving husband, Jim; and their four children: Brian Sheets (Kim) of Olathe, Kansas; Lori Shepard of Bettendorf, Iowa; David Sheets (Julie) of Davenport, Iowa; and Amy Jones (Ross) of Plainfield, Illinois. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Justin Sheets (Megan), Andrew Sheets (Maggie), Scott Sheets, Michael Shepard (Katie), Nick Shepard (Shelby), Max Sheets, Anna Sheets, Emma Jones, and Grant Jones; and four great-grandchildren: Liam, Ellie, Ayden, and Kenna.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Harry Lee; her brother, Guerdon Lee and his wife, Juanita; her sister, Margaret Millard and her husband, Maurice; and her sister, Linda Lunsford and her husband, Frank.
Marilyn will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who valued family above all else.
