Marilyn McDonald

Marilyn (Betts) McDonald, of Clinton, peacefully made her journey to heaven, Friday, October 10, 2025.

Visitation will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 2136 N Brady St, Davenport, IA 52803, on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at the United Methodist Church 222 12th St, DeWitt, IA 52742, on Saturday, October 18, at 10:30 a.m. with burial following at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt. A Celebration of Life Luncheon at the United Methodist Church will follow the cemetery.

Marilyn Jean Betts was born May 23, 1942, in Welton, Iowa, the daughter of Glenn and Jeanette (Freeman) Betts. She grew up in the Calamus area, where she enjoyed farming with her Grandpa Freeman and baking with Grandma Freeman, and Saturday Nights with Grandpa and Grandma Betts. She graduated from Calamus High School in 1960. She then attended A.I.C. and Clinton Community College.

Marilyn was united in marriage to Wayne McDonald on January 26, 1963, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bliedorn. Marilyn ran the preschool at Zion Lutheran Church in Davenport. She and Wayne owned McDonald Office Supply in Clinton, Maquoketa, and DeWitt, for many years until Wayne’s passing. Marilyn worked at Alter Barge Line in Davenport for several years, and then at New Directions/ASAC in Clinton until she retired at the age of 76.

Marilyn lived a devoted Christian life centered on family. She rarely missing a child’s or grandchild’s activity. She loved gardening and exploring her ancestry, and she took special joy in bringing her grandchildren to church and Sunday school. She began teaching Sunday school at age 14, and continued into her late 70s, and often took time off from work to teach Vacation Bible School with her grandchildren. She loved the holidays and always had a special tradition. She loved to travel and felt deeply blessed to visit the Holy Land. Even in her later years, Marilyn embraced technology with enthusiasm and surprising skill.

She is survived by her children, Christine (Kevin) Alexander of Durant, and Bob (Denise) McDonald of Camanche; grandchildren, Kate and Kelly Alexander, Jacob and Mallory McDonald; sisters, Joyce Johansen, and Debbie Blackwell; a nephew, Mark (Lori) Johansen; and great-nieces and great-nephews; an aunt, Roma (Willis) Brown; and sister-in-law, Jean (McDonald) Igoe. Dear cousins Warren and Barb Worlein.

Marilyn is welcomed into heaven by her husband, Wayne, who preceded her in death on February 15, 1986, as well as her niece and goddaughter, Sherry (Johansen) Mayberry, her parents, and a brother-in-law, Louis Johansen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church-Bliedorn, Zion Lutheran Church-Davenport, St. Paul Lutheran Church-Davenport, and United Methodist Church-DeWitt, or charity of choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com

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