In loving memory of

Marilynn J. Jennings
February 25, 1924 - September 9, 2011

Marilynn J. Jennings, 87, of Prairie City, died Friday, September 9, 2011 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines from injuries sustained in a single car accident. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Prairie City United Methodist Church with burial following at Waveland Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, September 12, 2011 at Coburn Funeral Home of Prairie City from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. with family present from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Memorials may be given to the Jasper County Animal Rescue League or Prairie City United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com.

The daughter of Frank and Pauline (Krohn) Riley, Marilynn Jane Riley was born on February 25, 1924 in Colfax, Iowa. Marilynn was a graduate of Colfax High School, Class of 1942. On September 10, 1943 Marilynn was united in marriage with Max Jennings in Colfax. Marilynn retired after a long career as a veterinary assistant for Dr. Gardner and also Dr. Walker in Prairie City. She generously gave her time to volunteer at Iowa Methodist Medical Center for several years. Marilynn's greatest love was for her family, especially her grandchildren. She also had a great affection for animals and will be deeply missed by her dog, Sophie. Marilynn made the best pies and chocolate chip cookies and was baking and bringing people her tasty treats until she died. She also enjoyed sewing and quilting. Marilynn was a member of Prairie City United Methodist Church.

Those left to honor Marilynn's memory are her three sons: John Jennings of Newton; Alan Jennings (Deb Coulter) of Monroe and Mark (Jean) Jennings of Prairie City; 4 grandchildren: Ryan, Amy, Danny, and David Jennings; 1 great-grandson, Skyler Jennings and two sisters: Virginia (Dean) Chandler of Bettendorf, Iowa and Josephine Riley of Walker, Iowa. Marilynn was preceded in death by her parents, husband, granddaughter, Molly Jennings and daughter-in-law Cindi (Andrews) Jennings.

Tributes

David Jennings wrote on May 19, 2012:

"I miss you everyday grandma! I love you!"

Jeanne Smith wrote on Sep 17, 2011:

"Marilyn was always a smile to see in the Post Office when I worked there. She would always have a kind word to say about everyone and loved life. I always felt like she was my friend and I loved to see her out walking with her dog. She will truly be missed. Go with God Marilyn."

Bonnie Van Zante wrote on Sep 14, 2011:

"Marilyn was a truly wonderful person. We would meet almost every morning at the post office and have a little chat. She use to walk by our house with her dog and she would stop and visit with me or maybe more with our puppy. She was so kind, caring and loving. A great loss for the whole community. Our sympathy to the whole Jennings family. Your mother was a saint Ron and Bonnie Van Zante"

Linda Warrick Jacobson wrote on Sep 13, 2011:

"How sad! My condolences to Marilyn's family. She and Max were neighbors and friends of my in-laws. She was always so cheerful and helpful in my frequent trips to the vet office. Both she and Max were great role models in 4H. "

Carol Van Baale Meador wrote on Sep 13, 2011:

"Marilynn always had a smile and a cheerful word whenever I saw her. She was a very special lady who will be missed by all who knew her. My prayers are with all of you. "

Mandi Lamb wrote on Sep 12, 2011:

"John and family â?? I know I can speak on behalf of many at the Newton Daily News when I say Mama Jennings will be missed. She was such a kind lady, and we enjoyed her visits, conversations and treats! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. We in the newsroom are here for you, John."

Jeannie Schultz wrote on Sep 12, 2011:

"Marilynn is a treasure and joy, The first time I ever met her was when I worked for the Jasper County Animal Rescue League and when I went to Newton Animal Clinic she would just stop in to chat when she was in town. I have known her for about 13 years, I will miss her wonderful sense of humor and her warm smiling face. My condolences to John and the Jennings family. I will miss her dearly."

Janice Price wrote on Sep 12, 2011:

"Marilynn a caring person. When we lived in Prairie City she would walk her dog by our house on stop to talk if we were outside. She would always check about our dog. I had not seen her for awhile and last Thur. saw her in Newton at Thanks with Franks and got to visit with her. She asked about our dog then. Then on Fri. I had to run to the store for work and there she was again so we got to chat a little. She was a GREAT person and will be missed by alot. Rest In Peace Marilynn and keep looking after all the animals in Heaven!"

Noralee Warrick wrote on Sep 12, 2011:

"Marilyn was the face of love and caring. I always enjoyed seeing her at Dr. Walker's office. Always a smile - and I could almost tell time by when she drove past our house taking Sophie for a drive!!! "

Andrea Engle wrote on Sep 12, 2011:

"Marilynn was one of the first people in Prairie City to recognize us as residents when we moved to town. She always had a kind word to say, made amazing cookies. We'll miss her dearly."

Jake Van Wyk wrote on Sep 12, 2011:

"I always remember going to her house with David just to hang out and say hello. Every time we were there she would make us her homemade cookies or any other types of baked goods. She always had a smile on her face whenever she had company, and she would always wave whenever you drove or walked by her. She will be greatly missed."

Jessica Lowe wrote on Sep 12, 2011:

"Mama Jennings was always a bright spot during her visits to the Newton Daily News. Always willing to chat, say a kind word and bring in some of those famous chocolate chip cookies ... she was a kind and caring woman. She will be missed. To John and the entire Jennings family I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Jessica Lowe"

Jane Bravick wrote on Sep 12, 2011:

"Marilynne was one of the kindest people I've known...wise, loving and generous in ways that enriched her family, improved her community and unquestionably made me a better person. The world is a much more ordinary place without her."

Becca Morgan wrote on Sep 12, 2011:

"I am so very sorry for your loss Jennings family...Marilyn was one of the sweetest people and lovely grandmothers. I grew up looking forward to her pies at family functions. I know she will be greatly missed. With Love, Becca Morgan"

Teresa Smith wrote on Sep 12, 2011:

"My thoughts and prayers are with your family! Marilyn was a great lady and I always enjoyed visiting with her!"

Dana Sanders wrote on Sep 12, 2011:

"Marilyn was a joy to have in our neighborhood and will be greatly missed by myself and my boys as they saw her weekly on their paper route!"

Sharon and John Doolittle wrote on Sep 11, 2011:

"Marilyn was one of the sweetest ladies I've known. She was certainly a behind-the-scenes worker in our church. She was over there every week doing something. When John was battling depression and walking last winter in the church she would bake cookies and take over to him to have after his walk. God is certainly saying "well done good and faithful servant" today!"