Marilyn Avey was born January 11, 1928, in Manilla, Iowa, the daughter of Walter H Grage and Malinda (Petersen) Grage. She passed through the water of Holy Baptism in September, 1928 and was later confirmed in her baptismal grace at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning, Iowa, in October, 1955.

After graduating from Manning High School in 1945, Marilyn earned a teaching diploma and taught in a country school until she was married.

She was united in marriage to Gerald Dean Avey on March 29, 1951, at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning, Iowa. Their union was blessed with the gift of three children, Steve, Kevin, and Geraldine (Geri).

Marilyn was a member of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lincoln, where she was active in the Lutheran Women's Missionary League and a member of the Red Hat Club. She also served on the Immanuel Altar Guild and numerous other activities at the church. Marilyn was a devoted wife, mother, and friend to everyone who ever had the joy of meeting her. She loved her Lord, adored her family, and brought joy to so many of us.

On Thursday, April 12, 2018, at Lancaster Manor in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Lord sent His holy angels to accompany Marilyn home at the age of 90.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald, her parents, a sister, and a brother.

Those left to cherish Marilyn's memory, grieve her death, and look forward to the Resurrection include children: Steve (Susan Jagoda) Avey, Kevin (Deborah) Avey, and Geri (Kevin) Waechter; grandchildren: David and Emily Jagoda, Jenny Williamson, Tim Avey, Shandera Christianson, Christy Koehler, Dayna Ford, and Casey Waechter; 17 great-grandchildren; many more friends and family.