In loving memory of

Marilyn Lucille Roorda
December 21, 1928 - June 10, 2012

Marilyn Roorda, age 83 of Prairie City, died Sunday, June 10, 2012 in hospice care at Skiff Medical Center in Newton. Funeral services will be on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Prairie City United Methodist Church, with burial following at Waveland Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at Coburn Funeral Home in Prairie City from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. The family will greet friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the Prairie City United Methodist Church, Women at the Well or Heifer International and condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com.


A daughter of Samuel P. and Irma Lee (Vander Linden) McFadden, Marilyn was born on December 21, 1928 in Prairie City. After graduating from Iowa State College, she taught home economics in Montezuma, where she met Harlan Roorda, whom she married on November 27, 1954. In 1956 they moved to Prairie City, where she also taught for a time. From about 1979 through 1991, Marilyn was a partner in Ye Olde House, a flower shop in Prairie City. Marilyn was a long-time, active member of her church and of many organizations, including Chapter AJ T.T.T., Chapter AV P.E.O. and the Prairie City Historical Society. She led Sunday School, Cub Scouts, and 4-H groups. She enjoyed many interests, was a great cook and was never happier than when family and friends were gathered for a meal.

Those left to honor her memory--following the death of her husband Harlan, just three weeks ago--include a son Richard Roorda of Prairie City, daughter Rev. Lee (Daniel) Schott of Polk City, and three grandsons, Gabriel, William, and Charles. Also surviving are her siblings Helen (the late Tex) Kassen of Georgetown, Texas, Edith (Raymond) Hutchison of Newton, Denise (Keith) Willson of Newton, and Margaret (Leslie) Stokely of Richmond, Virginia, along with dozens of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Her parents preceded Marilyn in death, along with a sister Jean (Dan) Bartelma of Runnells, and a brother Lawrence (Ruth) McFadden of Prairie City.

Tributes

MaryEllen (Neideigh) Cole wrote on Jun 16, 2012:

"My prayers and blessings with the surviving family. Marilyn was my P.C. High School home economics teacher. I just loved that lady. Because of her great teachings (and my mother's, Velma) I am blessed with all types of "skills". Marilyn will FOREVER be remembered in my daily chores. God Bless."

Kelley Krile Robbins wrote on Jun 11, 2012:

"I love and honor Marilyn because I so love her daughter. The things that make Lee the finest of longstanding friends are the things she got from her folks. The summer Lee and Dan wed, I needed a bridesmaid's dress, but would not be available for fitting until right before the wedding. Marilyn graciously made my dress, then did the final fitting/hem right at the last, without complaint. I'll never forget that sultry August afternoon, as the power failed in the little church, and we held candles as the only light available. A tractor provided the generator-power to make the coffee and reception work. It's really something to come from a community where everyone pulls together to do what needs doing. What a lovely legacy! Marilyn, you leave a very large, very empty chair."

Kent Campbell wrote on Jun 11, 2012:

"It just seems like yesterday she grabbed my hand and put it to her cheek and said, "oh your hand is so cool and my face is so hot" then laughed so sweetly. I am sorry that I am in NY until Thursday afternoon and will not be able to express my sincere condolences in person. "

Lora Kain wrote on Jun 11, 2012:

"What a marvelous lady! Marilyn meant so much to so many and she will be truly missed. I loved our one on one visits during her hair appointments. We will miss her at the T.T.T. meetings in which she was a faithful member for 55 years. I will cheerish her memory and my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this diffucult hour."

Shirley Bos wrote on Jun 11, 2012:

"Marilyn was a willing worker. I don't recall her ever saying no when asked to help. She always had a smile on her face. She will be missed."