Marilyn Mae Morley, daughter of Carl and Helen (Akeson) Morley, was born on March 22, 1935, on a farm west of Sanborn, Iowa. When Marilyn was four years old, the family relocated to a farm south of Harris, Iowa. In 1960, they moved to the Akeson family homestead southwest of Archer, Iowa. 

    Marilyn attended school at Harris Consolidated School in Harris, graduating in May with the class of 1953. She then worked for Berkley & Co. in Spirit Lake, Iowa. She furthered her education at Northwestern College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, before transferring to Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois where she earned her B.A. in elementary education. She then taught for one year (1961-1962) at Archer Public School to help pay for more college education, and in 1964, she graduated with an M.A. in Christian education. In 1965, Marilyn began to teach third grade in Sibley, Iowa, resigning in 1978 to care for her parents.

    Marilyn continued to live on the farm along with a whole passel of cats. She enjoyed reading, listening to Bott Radio Network, gardening and doing yard work. She was a member of the Ashton Bible Church in Ashton, Iowa, and taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She attended the Racoon River Bible Camp near Scranton, Iowa, where she also enjoyed serving as a counselor.

    On Friday, November 7, 2025, Marilyn passed away at her home at the age of 90 years. She is now in heaven with her Savior, Jesus Christ. Loved ones who had gone before include her grandparents; her parents, Carl and Helen Morley; a brother, Arthur Morley; her nephew, Philip Morley; and her sister-in-law, Esther Morley.

    She is loved and will be remembered by her brothers: Robert Morley and Frank (Jean) Morley; 11 nieces and nephews; 46 great-nieces and nephews; 18 great-great-nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.