Marilyn R. Forsling passed away on November 20, 2016 from complications related to multiple sclerosis. She was 77.

Marilyn was born on April 25, 1939 in Odebolt, Iowa to Harry and Nell (Kennedy) Sommers. She graduated from Odebolt-Arthur High School in 1957 and attended Morningside College in Sioux City, where she earned a bachelor's degree in music. She married Don Forsling in 1962. They lived in Iowa City and Chicago during the early years of their marriage. While in Chicago, Marilyn held a variety of interesting jobs: substitute teacher in the Chicago public schools, ad coordinator at WGN-TV and secretary for an attorney purported to be Jimmy Hoffa's lawyer. Following the infamous Chicago blizzard of February 1967, the couple moved to Ames where daughter Karen was born that October. Son Carl was welcomed to the family in July 1973. Marilyn and Don divorced amicably in 1987 after 25 years of marriage.

Marilyn's great passion was music. She joyfully shared her musical gifts as both a piano teacher to countless children and as music director at St. John's Episcopal Church. Longtime parishioners still remember her beautiful rendition of "O Holy Night," which she sang every year at Christmas Eve services.

Marilyn lived with MS for 21 years, a relentless disease that robbed her of the activities she loved most - taking long walks, singing in the choir, playing piano and reading mysteries. Through it all, she faced her health challenges with tremendous courage and grace. She could have easily and understandably complained but instead she would say how lucky she was to not have pain. When the time came for a wheelchair, she continued to embrace life and contribute to her community, working for a few years as a greeter at Hy-Vee.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter Karen and son Carl, grandchildren Spencer and Amelia, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and stepmother Hazel (Carlson) Sommers; and her siblings James Sommers, Marjorie Heikens, Eileen Follett, Jean Gehlen and Thomas Sommers.

Her family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Bethany Manor in Story City for the love and excellent care they gave Marilyn during her many years of residence and especially in her final weeks and days. "My team" and "my girls," as she called her devoted caregivers, brought Marilyn much happiness and comfort, and were an important part of her journey toward peace.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, Dec. 19, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at St. John's by the Campus at 2338 Lincoln Way in Ames.

Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com