Marilyn Joyce Christner, 93, died, Saturday, July 26, 2025, at The Arbors, Hutchinson. She was born December 31, 1931, in McPherson, KS, to Leo Kelly and Dorothy Anna (Wilke) Slabach.
In 1949, Marilyn graduated from Inman High School. Shortly after high school, she attended Hutchinson Community Junior College, earning her associates degree in 1951.
On September 2, 1951, she married Keith L. Christner, in Hutchinson. They shared over 63 years of marriage, prior to his death on February 17, 2015.
Marilyn truly enjoyed being active in her community and making a difference by being involved in Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Antique Club, Vota Vita, the Election Board, and Christian Women Fellowship (CWF). In her spare time, she was still golfing and bowling up until 3 years ago.
Marilyn is survived by: her children, Mike Christner of Sellersburg, IN, Rex (Terry) Christner of Hutchinson, KS, Keith (Julie) Christner of Garden City, KS, Jay (Donna) Christner of Augusta, KS, Kathy (Jamie) Carroll of Hutchinson, KS, and Cindy (Jeremy) Adcock of Hutchinson, KS; 19 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by: her husband; parents; and a brother.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Elliott Chapel. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson. Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with family present to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Elliott Mortuary.
Click here to watch the service live
Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.