Marilou Willis Ukena, age 90, of Green Hills Health Care Center died Sunday, May 21, 2017. The family will receive friends Friday, May 26 at 9:30 followed by a 10:30 AM Celebration of Life service at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care 414 Lincoln Way Ames. Interment will take place immediately following at Ames Municipal Cemetery.
Marilou was born March 1, 1927 in Des Moines, Iowa, the only child of Robert and Mable Willis. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines and then from Iowa State University. Marilou taught Physical Education in Cedar Rapids for several years before returning to Des Moines. Marilou married and her two daughters Sherrie and Jan were the product of that union. In 1976 Marilou married Dr. Maynard Ukena and moved to Ames. She was a member of Phi Beta Phi sorority, Collegiate United Methodist Church, PEO, and Ames Golf and Country Club where she was a frequent and accomplished golfer. Marilou and Maynard enjoyed their time together ballroom dancing, traveling, skiing at Aspen, attending performances at Cy Stephens and supporting the ISU Cyclones. She was a proud member of the Octagon Tappers, a life-long Bridge player and an enthusiastic supporter of ISU Women's Basketball. Marilou enjoyed her last 10 years of life at Green Hills and was a familiar figure with her red ISU hat! Her family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Green Hills for the excellent and compassionate care they provided Marilou during her time there.
Marilou is survived by her family; Sherrie (Kip) Smith Kalispell, MT, Jan Corey Newton, IA, Tom (Sue) Ukena Northborough, MA, Rick (Jan) Ukena Ashland, OR; grandchildren, Alisha (Adam), Khamsin (Justin), Kayla, Amy, Jenny; and 4 great grandchildren.
Memorials may be directed to Green Hills Retirement Center.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
On behalf of the Hegstroms, who have enjoyed times with Maynard and Marilou over many years in Ames and in Aspen, our heartfelt condolences and sympathies. I know Maridee enjoyed being a Tapper with Marilou. Trey& Lynn Hegstrom and Morley Hegstrom
Marilou Willis was a great Camp Hantesa camper, apprentice and staff. When I wrote the Hantesa Memories her name came up many times. She was a great Camp Fire lesder. Jan Kerr was also a camper at Hantesa. I think Sherry might have been a camper too. I was sorry to have missed the visitation as I would have enjoyed the many memories with the family. I always enjoyed her Xmas card and the adventures she was having.
Marilou was a grand contributor to the lives of our family over so many years. While I take comfort in her passing to a place where she will most certainly continue to dance, sing, and watch over us all from above, the loss of a mother to those left on earth can never be denied. Her wonderful children and grandchildren and friends are a great tribute to her life here on earth. We should all be so lucky to leave such a legacy. My heart is there with you all as you say goodbye to a wonderful lady!
Kathy Bartilotta
Sherri and Jan,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of all our great times we had as kids. Your Mom was always smiling and always so kind. My prayers for your strength and healing at this time. Lynn Shimp Scott
Jan and Sherri
I am saddened to read of the loss of your Mom. The picture of her is just as I remember her -- with her big smile. All of our long ago experiences shaped who we are today, and she certainly played a role for me. Many hours spent at your house bring back fond memories. Do you remember watching the first moon walk on your back porch? Thinking of you, as I know it is never easy to lose a parent. Lisa Shimp Tootle
I was saddened to hear of Marilou's passing. I knew her through my long-time friendship with Rick and Maynard Ukena. There are fond memories of ski trips to Aspen, and at one point my wife Bonnie and I met up with Maynard and Marilou in Apen and shared a great dinner together. We will always remember her as a most gracious and loving person. Rich and Bonnie Fennig, Fort Collins, CO.
It was a fun time and a treat to be an Octagon Tapper along side Marilou. She was a skilled
Tapper. She was a trained dancer, always smiling!! She is dancing now in Heaven!
My condolences to her family. Mary Montgomery
Visitation
Ames, IA 50010
Service
Ames, IA 50010
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