Marilyn J. Davison

Marilyn J. Davison, 100 years of age, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2026 at West Haven in Boone, Iowa. She was surrounded by family as they shared memories, laughter, hugs and music and although her eyes were closed those last few hours, we were sure she could hear our voices and feel the love we had for her. A memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026 at First United Methodist Church in Mason City, with Pastor Jon Montgomery officiating. Visitation will be open to the public for one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Eldora City Cemetery in Eldora, Iowa.

Marilyn June (March) Davison was born on June 10, 1926 to Cyril and Inez (Peters) March in Hampton, Iowa. She grew up as a farm girl attending country school through 8th grade. She graduated from high school in Hampton, Iowa,

While roller skating in Iowa Falls she met and skated with Warren Davison. It was there that their story began. During WWII, Warren left to serve in the Army. Upon his return Marilyn and Warren were married on November 3, 1946. In February, 1950 they welcomed their first daughter, Patricia. Sherry arrived in 1952 in Ames, Iowa where they lived in Pammel Court until Warren graduated from ISU. In 1955, while living in Webster City, Linda was born. In 1960 the family moved to their forever home in Mason City, Iowa. It was there that daughter number four, Diana, was born.

Marilyn loved being a mom, grandma, great-grandma and great-great grandma. Marilyn was an active member of the Mason City First United Methodist Church and the VFW Auxiliary. Her faith guided her life. Her lifelong faithfulness and service helped to mold the faith of her children. She enjoyed helping to organize the church rummage sale and was often referred to as "the Rummage Sale Queen." Marilyn was an Avon representative for over 25 years and achieved Presidents Status. She loved the friendships she formed with her customers. Marilyn enjoyed camping, flower gardening, sewing for her family, attending family activities, reading, painting crafts and visiting with her many friends. She was an amazing cook and always had a pie or cobbler waiting for us. She was a lifelong learner and enjoyed taking classes.

In 2018, Marilyn and Warren moved to Homestead Assisted living in Mason City where Warren passed away in 2019, after 73 years of marriage. In the fall of 2025 she moved to West Haven in Boone, Iowa to be close to family. She loved the daily family visits. Marilyn was a kind, thoughtful and caring woman and instilled these values in her family: be grateful; there is good in everyone; treat everyone as you want to be treated; don't say anything if you can't say anything nice; empathize with and listen to others and have a love for God.

While living at West Haven, Marilyn celebrated her 100th birthday in June of 2026 with her family and was able to meet her great-granddaughter Fern and her great-great-granddaughter, Callie. Despite Marilyn's blindness and missing Warren she remained interested in others and continued to try to care for them. She shared her love and gratitude and wit until she passed.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Elizabeth (Betty) Williams and James (Jimmie) March, step-mother Fern March, grandson Christopher Behm and great- granddaughter Sweet Pea Harrington.

She is survived by daughters Patricia (Chuck) Behm, Sherry (Russ) Candee, Linda Davison, Diana (Gary) Grassel and (long-time family friends) Thia and Maverick Kimman. Grandchildren Jason (Marci) Behm, Katie (Kris) Nystrom, Kylie (Nate) Newhard, Emily (Brian) Guetzlaff, Rachael (David) Sample, Val (Sam) Harrignton. Great grandchildren Brogan Wood, Riley and Wyatt Behm, Cole, Oliver and Ira Newhard, Addilyn and Hadley Guetzlaff, Macie and Paul Sample and Fern Harrington plus a great-great-granddaughter Callie (Wood) Stoneburner.

Marilyn will be missed and always remain in our hearts and memories.