Born Marilyn Carole Nixon on December 14, 1935, to James and Kathleen Nixon in Kansas City, Marilyn spent her entire life in the Kansas City metro area. She graduated from Southwest High School and lived life with incredible energy. An avid traveler and wine connoisseur—thanks in part to the family’s wine wholesale business—she loved exploring the world and always knew exactly which bottle to pair with a well-cooked meal. When she was handed a celiac diagnosis 40+ years ago, she didn't complain; she just took it as a personal challenge, out-cooking everyone else with gluten-free dishes decades before it was trendy. Her determination was legendary; she jogged every day until her knees politely went on strike, at which point she simply walked throughout the KC area, typically seen at various hours along the streets of Brookside, Fairway, and finally Prairie Village.
To Marilyn, family was everything. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Frank (Kayo) Schudy, who passed away in 1990 and has undoubtedly been waiting patiently for her to catch up. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, James Nixon, Jr. and Donald Nixon; and her sisters, Elizabeth Riffe and Kathleen Stephens.
As a proud mother to her seven children—Kim, Kevin, Jenny, Chris, Frank Jr., Kyle, and Buzz—Marilyn ran a household that was always filled with laughter, discipline, energy, and a fair amount of noise. As a doting grandmother to 13 grandchildren, she successfully passed down her values of kindness, resilience, and just the right amount of stubbornness.
Friends and family are invited to gather to honor her incredible journey. A funeral mass will take place at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Curé of Ars Catholic Church (9401 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS). Marilyn will be laid to rest alongside her beloved Kayo following the service at Forest Hill & Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri at Noon.
In memory of Marilyn's generous spirit and her love of gathering people together, please consider a donation to Little Sisters of the Poor or Cure of Ars Church in lieu of flowers.
