Marilyn J. Vanzant

Marilyn June (Watson) Vanzant, 83, of Raymore, MO, passed away October 11, 2012, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born April 16, 1929, in Red Oak, IA, to Theodore F. Watson and Bessie Lewis Watson. The family soon moved to Bethany, MO. Marilyn graduated from Bethany High School in 1947. In 1950 Marilyn graduated from Washington University School of nursing, and in 1984 she received a BS of Healing Arts from the College of St. Francis. Marilyn married Alan Karl Vanzant in 1955. She was an active member of the Red Bridge United Methodist Church, where she served on several boards and taught Sunday school. Marilyn loved entertaining family dinners, bridge parties and dinner for eight groups. Alan and Marilyn loved traveling all over the world. Marilyn retired from nursing after 47 years, where she worked in hospitals, a doctor's office and as an occupational health nurse at Bayer Animal Health. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alan Vanzant, her parents, Theodore and Bessie Watson, and brother, Teddy Joe Watson. Marilyn is survived by her sister, Juanita (Don) Reeves, her daughter, Vicki (Mike) Irey, and three sons, Karl (Madonna) Vanzant, John Vanzant, and Stephan Vanzant, 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. The family thanks the caregivers of the Rehabilitation Center of Raymore and Kansas City Hospice. A Celebration of Life Service and visitation will be held Sat., Oct. 20, at Red Bridge United Methodist Church. Visitation will be 10 a.m., with celebration service at 11 a.m. Inurnment will be at 1:30 p.m. in Mt. Moriah South Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Red Bridge United Methodist Church. Condolences may be left at www.mcgilleygeorgegrandview.com." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.mcgilleygeorgegrandview.com. McGilley and George Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 12913 Grandview Rd, Grandview, MO 64030, 816-966-0250 www.mcgilleygeorgegrandview.com