Marilyn D. Dunsworth, 82, died December 16, 2024, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born May 18, 1942, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Hutchinson, to Burt and Mary Ann (Rose) Frye.
Marilyn graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1960. She spent many years working at Hutchinson Community College in various positions, but really loved her position in the recreation department where she worked until retiring at age 70. Marilyn took her responsibilities seriously and was a mother figure to the students who often dropped by just to visit or ask for advice. She was an amazing artist and used her talent to teach others through craft clubs and at the Delos V. Smith Senior Center. She often entered her work in the State Fair, earning many blue ribbons. Marilyn loved riding horses and barrel racing and was a member of a saddle club for many years. Marilyn participated in many Bunco clubs and was a member of First Christian Church, Hutchinson.
After dating for three short months, she married the love of her life, Stephen L “Steve” Dunsworth on April 13, 1968, in Hutchinson. For over 56 years, they shared their days together never spending too much time apart. She and Steve treasured going on trips with family to Colorado, Shell Knob, MO, and Lake Taneycomo. In the early years of their marriage, she enjoyed cheering on Steve and others who drove his race cars. She would often accompany Steve to dirt track races, car shows, on fishing trips, and many long boat rides. Marilyn was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and pet mom. She was a friend to many and enriched the lives of those who knew her.
Marilyn is survived by: husband, Steve Dunsworth of Hutchinson; daughters Donisa Hughes (Joe) of West Virginia, Stephanie Covington of Lawrence; grandkids Richard Doss (Connie), Nathan Hamilton (Amanda), Jason McKown (Traci), Jennifer Cross (Lloyd), Erin Langley (Matthew), Joey McKown (Lacey), Ben Hughes (Bailey), Drew Covington, Holly Covington, and 18 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Debbie Dunsworth (daughter), Darcy Wilson (daughter).
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 23, 2024, at First Christian Church, 15 E. 5th St., Hutchinson, with Pastor Les Wedel officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may sign the book 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, at Elliott Mortuary. Family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Elliott Mortuary.
Memorials are suggested to the Hutchinson Animal Shelter, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.