Marilyn Ann Leonard

Marilyn A. Leonard was the first of four daughters born to Merwin E and Frances (Boten) Carlson at Nevada, Iowa. She attended Nevada, Shipley, and Mingo Schools and graduated from Mingo High School in 1952. Marilyn married Gene A. Leonard, August 21, 1952 at the Mingo United Methodist Church. They farmed and fed cattle north of Mingo from the time of their marriage until Gene retired from farming in 1991. They moved to Des Moines and Marilyn continued to work at John Deere Credit until her retirement in 2000. In 2008 Gene and Marilyn moved to Ankeny, Iowa. After Gene passed away, Marilyn moved to Mill Pond Retirement Community. Marilyn was a devoted mother and cared lovingly for her family. She was very active in United Methodist Women and held many positions of leadership at the local, district and state level. She served a monthly supper for volunteers for the Justice For Our Neighbors clinic at her church for over ten years. She also served Church Women United at the state office. She was also a faithful quilter at Grace United Methodist Church where she was an active member. Marilyn is survived by her children, Denise (Doug) Owen, Andy (Laura) Leonard; 7 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Margaret (Norman) Leonard, Marie (Lowell) Huggins, and Martha (Bob) Canney. Marilyn was preceded in death by her loving husband Gene. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Grace United Methodist Church.