Obituary of Marilyn June Sexton

Marilyn June Sexton passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at the Simpson Memorial Nursing Home in West Liberty, Iowa.

Marilyn was born June 3, 1935 in rural Cedar County, Iowa, the daughter of Earl and Clara (Dauber) Nighbert. On October 25, 1952, Marilyn was united in marriage to Larry Hughston Sexton. Marilyn and Larry were married for 66 years and they lived in Downey, Iowa.

Above all else, Marilyn loved and treasured spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family, friends, and neighbors. Marilyn was a member of the Downey Baptist Church.

Her favorite activities and hobbies were traveling and camping with Larry and baking and canning food from their garden. She also liked crafts, especially stamping cards and quilling, and playing cards and games like Dominoes and Rummikub. She loved to send cards and write letters to family and friends.

Marilyn enjoyed being with her friends and staff at the Heath Manor Apartments, Simpson Memorial Assisted Living, and Simpson Memorial Nursing Home. They treated her like family! She also looked forward to the activities they provided.

Marilyn was a loving wife, a wonderful mom, and a devoted grandma, great grandma, sister, and friend. Her resonated warmth, kindness, generosity, and wisdom touched many lives. Marilyn will be greatly missed.

Marilyn is survived by three children: Cheri (Michael Wolfe) Sexton of Lone Tree, Cindy (Glenn) Elzey of Solon, and Michael (Michelle) Sexton of Iowa City. Four grandchildren: Chad (Melissa) Shield, Jeni (Addam Hillard) Hunnicutt, Stephanie (Justin) Wainwright, and Dr. Shawn Sexton. Five great grandchildren: Cade and Rylee Shield, Katelyn Maldonado, and Maelyn and Landon Wainwright, Brother-in-law: Don Pfister of Iowa City, Sister-in laws:  Rosemary Sexton, Myrt Sexton, and Laura Slach of West Branch, Godchildren: Jerry and Kelly Graham, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister: Nadine Pfister, sister and brother-in-law: Helen and Mel Sissel, brother: DeWayne Nighbert, sister and brother-in-law: Carol and Bill Small, brother-in-law and sister-in-law: George and Althea Sexton, brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Maynard and Jean Sexton, brother-in-law and sister-in-law: John and Dorothy Sexton, brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Bill Sexton and Doris Ratliff, and brother-in-laws: Ross Sexton, Paul Sexton, and Bob Sexton.

On Wednesday, November 13, 2024 a funeral service will be held at the Downey Cemetery in Downey, Iowa at 11:00 AM., following the graveside a luncheon will be held at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Marilyn’s name to the Simpson Memorial Home Inc, Activities Director, 1000 N Miller St, West Liberty, IA 52776 or Saint Croix Hospice, 4215 E 60^th St, Suite 9, Davenport, IA 52807.