Marilyn Pendergrass

Marilyn Joyce Pendergrass, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025 at the age of 70. She was surrounded by her loving family in Avilla, Missouri.

Born on November 14, 1954 in Kansas City, Kansas. Marilyn was the daughter of Joseph and Zelma Tie Schletzbaum. She grew up in Everton, Missouri, where she attended school. She later graduated from Burnsflat College in Oklahoma in 1980. She continued her education at Bolivar Nursing School, where she earned her degree in nursing and spent many years caring for those around her.

Throughout her life, Marilyn was a source of unwavering love, strength, and guidance to her family and friends. At a young age, she married Kenny Pendergrass on December 17, 1971, and together they built a life filled with love and cherished memories. Together, they raised two children: Heather Bates and Sundeana Boyd who will forever be grateful for her love and support.

Marilyn had a passion for nursing, sewing, camping, and spending time with her loved ones. Which she enjoyed with great enthusiasm. She was known for her caring heart, and her many "I love you's." She will always be remembered and cherished by those who knew her best. 

In addition to her children, Marilyn is survived by six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters and many other relatives and friends who were touched by her warmth, love and kindness.

Services to honor and celebrate Marilyn's life were: Visitation- 10 a.m. until service time, Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home located at 201 South Daniel Avenue, Ash Grove, Missouri. Funeral services began at 11 a.m., at the funeral home. 

Marilyn was laid to rest immediately following the funeral at Shiloh Cemetery, State Highway WW, Miller, Missouri. Friends and family were invited to attend to pay their respects and share their memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Marilyn's memory to Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove, Missouri.