Marilyn Sue (Gardner) Kenney passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa. She was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and friend who will be greatly missed.
Marilyn was born in Jefferson, Iowa on March 19, 1947 to Juanita and Donald Gardner. She was a 1965 graduate of Perry High School. In May 1965, she married her beloved husband, Tom Kenney of Rippey, Iowa.
Marilyn's passion in life was gardening and her love for animals. Among Marilyn's many accomplishments, she was a graduate of the Master Gardener Program from Iowa State University Extension service. She worked at Holub Garden and Greenhouses in Ames for many years. Marilyn was very creative and started a craft business with sister Janet, M&J Country Craft. And in 1993, she and her husband Tom, created Skycrest Gardens in Ames. She was a member of the Russ O'Harra Hosta Society, with her garden featuring over 350 hostas. Skycrest Gardens was also a feature layout in Midwest Living Magazine.
Marilyn is survived by her loving family including husband Tom, daughter Kim (Scott) Crist of Iowa City, son Kevin Kenney of Wellman (and his children, Owen Kenney and Quinlan Kenney of Iowa City), and son Kory Kenney of Ames. Marilyn is also survived by her 5 siblings including sister Janet Gardner of Ames, brother Donald Gardner of Ames, sister Marcia DeWitt of Des Moines, sister Barbara (Jody) Jacobsen of Reno, NV, sister Donita Hall of Sparks, NV, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her father, Donald Gardner, and her mother, Juanita Gardner.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic concerns, a Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Marilyn loved and cared for many cats and dogs over the years, so in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made on her behalf to the Ames Animal Shelter at http://www.AmesAnimalShelter.org/
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Our condolences to you. Remembering all of the good memories and Holidays at "the farm" in Panora. With love to your family, Mike and Donna Adams
GOD BLESS YOU TOM AND FAMILY SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT MARILYN BUT ALWAYS REMEMBER NO MORE PAIN FOR HER NOW YOU ALL ARE IN MY PRAYERS.HOPE SEE YOU SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE. LOVE TO ALL DOROTHY INGRAM
I am so saddened to hear of Aunt Marilyn’s passing! She was such a beautiful and loving person! May your memories bring you peace! You are all in my prayers!!!
To all the Gardner siblings. I'm a member of Class of 1965 also. I had lost Tracy of Marilyn's accomplishments over the years since I've lived in Minnesota most of the time since High School. But reading her obituary how's what an accomplished life she had. I will say a prayer for you all & for Marilyn. Peace to all. Janet Cook Mulford.
I am so sad to hear this about Marilyn. She has been a long time friend since before high school. She was such a sweet person and always nice to everyone. My condolences to Tom and all of her family. She will be missed!
I extend my sincere condolences to all of Marilyn’s family and friends. What a cook, crafter, beautician, gardener, animal lover, etc.! She, Janet, Tom and her family were always extremely welcoming to me during my grad school days at Iowa State. She and you all will forever be in my fondest of memories.
She will be missed! I loved taking my Horticulture class to visit her and Tom’s garden. We learned so much from Marilyn! She was so nice to us!
What a nice lady. Never knew her well but loved looking at her Gardens. She will be missed by many Jean Kelley
Our hearts are with your whole extended family. So many memories of growing up with my older cousins, mostly learning how to twist or some other dance and listening to the grown up girls! She was a kind heart.
Denise Liddell Allis
I will remember my aunt Marilyn as always being kind, caring, and talented. She had an eye to create beauty, a huge heart for animals, and a strong love and devotion to her family. My heart goes out to Tom, Kim, Kevin and Kory. My prayers are with you all and may you have peace and comfort at this time. Much love to all of you. Your nephew and cousin, Bob J.
So sorry for family and friends of Marilyn. I know she was loved by many. Her garden was beautiful with all the hostas. Thinking of her family and sending love to her sister Janet who is lost without her. Jerrie Pegg, family friend
Sorry for your loss. It sounds like Marilyn had beautiful gardens. Dave Swanson (co-worker of Kim)
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and love are with you all. Lovingly, Cousin Pam
I am so very sorry we have lost dear Marilyn. My fondest memories of my sweet cousin was playing paper dolls with her on her front porch. She will will be greatly missed, I know, by her beloved family and friend's. Be at peace, sweet Marilyn. Love, tour cousin, Pam
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