Marilyn Elaine Milks

Marilyn E. (Dimmitt) Milks died peacefully on February 2, 2024 in Omaha, Nebraska. She was born in Springfield, Nebraska on June 9, 1932 to LeRoy and Mary Ethel Dimmitt, the day before her brother Walter graduated from high school. She spent her childhood in Springfield, Papillion and Kyle, Wyoming before moving back to Springfield in 1946.

She was active in Methodist Youth Group, Rainbow Girls, the Pep Squad and was a very good student. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1950 and went to work at Mutual of Omaha and then Ash Grove.

John and Marilyn started dating after John returned from the Army in 1952. He proposed to Marilyn on her 21st birthday, June 9, 1953. They were married on August 15, 1954 followed by a 30-day honeymoon to California. This was just the beginning of many cherished trips together.

Marilyn was a dedicated farm wife and partner in their farming operation. She learned how to drive tractors, milk cows, clean pig pens, haul in wagons of grain during harvest and kept the books. She grew a large garden and preserved food to be used all year around. She taught herself how to sew and made many of her girl’s dresses for Christmas, Easter, Homecoming and Prom.

As the mother of four children, Marilyn had very full days. She was always teaching her children important life skills. All four kids were in 4-H. She led Mary, Lori, and Diane’s clubs for 15 years and made sure everyone learned how to cook. She helped her girls learn how to make breads, pies and any dessert we set our mind to. The busy summers also included participating in baking contests, 4-H judging and modeling contests and taking swim lessons.

Marilyn was known for her delicious meals. When Dad had hired help during the summer, she would pull out all the stops; cooking excellent meals for everyone to enjoy around the table; fried chicken, mashed potatoes, fresh green beans, salad and a freshly baked dessert. While growing up, Mom’s desserts earned the nickname “Big D.” She was also famous for her homemade chicken and noodles and runzas. She shared her many wonderful recipes in the Milks Family Favorites cookbook written for family and friends in 1998.

When the kids were in high school, Marilyn and John were on the go, attending activities including football, volleyball, basketball, choir, band, and church activities.

They were active in our local church. Marilyn attended worship, taught second grade Sunday School for 7 years, was a member of the United Methodist Women and the M & M’s group for 30+ years. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Primrose Chapter, serving as Worthy Matron and many other offices.

Marilyn and John had a wonderful group of friends who were a great community for one another. During Bill’s senior year in high school, they would often host friends after the game for a piece of pie or some other yummy Big D. There were frequent gatherings of friends and family invited to play cards or a board game. Marilyn always loved the challenge and the company and, in the end, everyone enjoyed some freshly baked dessert.

Marilyn worked outside the home, waitressing at Truck Haven in the early 70’s and then at Grandmother’s Restaurant and Werner Enterprises in the mid ‘80’s. Her favorite job though was working at Forever Floral in Springfield in the early 90’s. She loved the people and working with Nancy Smith was always fun.

John and Marilyn loved traveling and found many ways in their 60-year marriage to explore the world. They traveled to all 50 states in North America, Canada, Mexico, South America, the Caribbean and many countries in Europe. Marilyn loved meeting new people, trying new foods and seeing the sights that made a place special. She enjoyed going on special trips to celebrate important birthdays. They went on a cruise of the Baltic Sea for her 75th, a 14-day Mediterranean for her 80th and another Mediterranean cruise for her 85th birthday. She was an adventurer.

While many people called her Marilyn, her favorite name was Grandma. She had 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She loved attending their activities and especially watching their volleyball, basketball, cheer and football games. She was one of their biggest supporters. She was famous for Grandma Milks’ homemade cookies for the football teams. Nothing brought her more joy than to spend time with her grandchildren.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents LeRoy Dimmitt, Mary Ethel Dimmitt, brother Walter Dimmitt, husband John B. Milks and son William D. Milks. She is survived by her remaining children, Mary McKnight, Lori (Mike) Smith, Diane (Wes) Warnke and Monica Milks. Her grandchildren; Tyler (Melissa) Hand, Matthew Milks, Chelsea (Owen) Schernikau, Shelby (Jacob) Hoskins, Hannah (Ryne) Osowski, Mackenzie Milks, Nick (Jenny) Smith, Hunter (fiancé Crystian) Hand, Ben Smith and Ryan McKnight, nine great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn’s Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Springfield United Methodist Church, 480 Main Street, Springfield Nebraska. Inurnment will be at the Springfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please dedicate memorials to the Springfield United Methodist Church for the Milks Family Memorial Scholarship or the Springfield Memorial Library.