July 3, 1929 - September 13, 2022
Marilyn Leider Rennolds, age 93, from Mountain Home, AR, formerly from Wilmette, IL entered into eternal rest with her loving Savior on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at her North Carolina residence. Her loving family was by her side.
Born July 3, 1929, in Evanston, IL to Gladys VerHalen and Elmer Francis Leider, Marilyn embraced life with this fun birthdate becoming fiercely independent with a ''firecracker'' personality. The oldest of 5 children, Marilyn was tenacious, hard working and disciplined. As a young girl and teen she worked cleaning jobs so that she could purchase two horses ''Lil Fella'' and ''Penny''. She was a skilled trick rider and kept this activity up until she graduated in 1950 as an RN from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing.
It was at this time, Marilyn captured the heart of her lifetime love, W. Donald Rennolds. They married October 21, 1951 and raised 7 children in Wilmette IL. Marilyn worked as a surgical nurse & eventually as lead RN with a doctor's practice in Evanston. Her skills in nursing, combined with her compassion for others, allowed Marilyn to serve others throughout her lifetime with her medical knowledge. Perhaps the most poignant role was her care of her beloved Don in his final months of life.
Both Marilyn and Don were avid sailors, cherishing the hobby that brought them and their family great joy. Marilyn also enjoyed her reputation as a Bridge player, competitive tennis enthusiast, and a tenacious board game player, even challenging her children & grandchildren to claim a rare victory against her. As an excellent seamstress, Marilyn fashioned her daughters for school, dances and weddings. Later her granddaughters would benefit from Marilyn's talents as she sewed matching outfits for the girls and their dolls.
Upon retirement to Mountain Home, AR in 1991, Marilyn continued her volunteering at Baxter County Regional hospital, and also volunteered with her blessed church family at St. Peter the Fisherman. She was a culinary genius throughout life and this talent only expanded as she added the cuisine of the Ozarks to her repertoire.
During her last two years of life while living in NC, she enjoyed visits from her grown grandchildren. She loved chatting with them and their spouses and viewing the great grandchildren weekly on FaceTime Calls. During her illness, her Hospice care team tenderly embraced their relationship with Miss Marilyn, and she treasured each visit while sharing stories of her life, her children, grandchildren and friends.
Marilyn's disciplined and deep Faith in Jesus Christ offered her joy and peace every day. This faith gave her strength to endure life's struggles of sorrow, disappointments, broken relationships, and loss of loved ones to death. Her dependence on Christ brought forgiveness as well as reconciliation upon which Marilyn was able to welcome each day with Joy and humility.
Marilyn is survived by her children: Marypat (Perry) Kuzma; William Rennolds; James (Marybeth)Rennolds; Terrence Rennolds; Kimberley (Sean) Hegarty; Maureen (Chuck) Bennett; and Carol (Matthew) Henry, as well as her sister Janet. She is also survived by a host of Grandchildren and great grandchildren-whom she dearly loved and enjoyed. Called Home before her was her Beloved husband Don, her parents and daughter Carol Jean.
A Funeral Mass will be at 11:00am Friday October 21, at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church with Reverend Father Norbert Rappold, as celebrant. Internment will be at Baxter memorial Gardens in Mountain Home, AR.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peter's Building Fund.
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10 Condolence(s)
Debbie Poff
Sunday, October 2, 2022
Was so blessed to know Marilyn. Rest in peace sweet lady! Love and hugs, Carol and Matt and Mary Pat
Maureen menary
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
I WILL ALWAYS LOVE MOM AND DAD I WAS SO BLESSED TO HAVE THEM IN MY LIFE. SENDING MUCH LOVE.
Anne Lindsay
Thursday, September 22, 2022
Carol, Matt and MaryPat and family. It was such a blessing knowing and loving my friend Marilyn. Since I met each of you being Marilyn visting angel companion its wasn't a job but an awesome relationship. I looked forward my job responsibilities in addition to our daily devotion talks and playing dominos which she loved so much. Wonderful times praying and many heart felt conversations of her husband, family and life in general. She appreciated her family and often said how she loved where she lived good food and pies Carol made and flowers given to her because she was loved meant so much . She loved watching the dogs and the cat and often stated he's the boss. We both would laugh as neither one of us could figure out how to work the television. I thank God for knowing Marilyn and miss her. To the family (my family too) Thank you for the opportunity to knowing and loving each of you. I know my friend is with the Lord so I rejoice with the Reynolds family. Anne Lindsay
Frances (Rennolds) Ledford
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
I think Karen really wrote it so perfectly- the memories of Christmas were the best! And Aunt Marilyn teaching me which fork to use at the dinner table- and which wine glass went with red or white wine. A perfectionist always- …. And how to be that AND raising 7 children…. Plus how often she would stop to laugh with Uncle Bud…. She was a needle in a haystack! I love you Aunt Marilyn- take good care of UB and dad for us. Until we meet again …..
Emily Collias (Dombrowski)
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
It is with mixed feelings of sorrow and joy that we lose a great lady, friend, and mom. The sorrow for her not being here to visit and the joy knowing that that she is now in heaven with Jesus Chris, her beloved husband (Don), and extended family/friends/neighbors who have passed before her.
The beautiful overview of Marilyn's life, purpose, accomplishments, personality, and faith bring back wonderful and meaningful memories. Our prayers are with the entire family now and always.
With love and prayers,
Mark, Emily, Rene, and Virginia
(Collias-Gomez, Dombrowski)
Karen Rohner
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
I have so many memories of Aunt Marilyn throughout my life. The ones that stick out the most are from so many years of spending Christmas Eve at hers, UB's and all the 7 cousins home at 711 Central. Each year myself and 9 other family members would stomp on the front porch in place of ringing the doorbell to let everyone know the cousin's have arrived. I remember Aunt Marilyns laughter as she and UB came to the door to let us in.
As soon as we got out coats off and in the door Aunt M was back in the kitchen preparing dinner for the crew of over 20. The "kids" always spent time watching It's a Wonderful Life as plate after plate of hors d'oeuvres kept showing up. From spinach balls to chips and dip, it was always so yummy! Dinner was always on time and delicious!
After dinner we all gathered in the living room to pass out gifts. My mom always got a ham for our Christmas dinner which my mom was always excited to get. Aunt Marilyn always had a family gift for the kids too.
Since moving to Arkansas she always made time to call my parents to see how they were doing. Even in her last year of life she never forgot to check in on my mom and make sure she was ok after the passing of my father.
I remember Aunt Marilyn alway asking questions about my family and was so interested in what they were doing.
It won't be the same now that you're gone but I know you are in the arms of Jesus and He is so proud of the life you lived.
Rest in Peace Aunt Marilyn. I love you!
Kaen Rohner
Carol and Steve Moshier
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Dear Carol, Matt, and family,
We are so sorry for your great loss and remember with fondness seeing your mom on her visits to you in Geneva and St Marks. We remember her captivating smile and her love for your family. The tribute you have written in honor of her life shows your devotion of love for her uniqueness, her contributions on this earth, and her love for God. We shall be in prayer for you in the days ahead knowing the depth of love your family has given her, these past years. May you be comforted in the many promises of Christ for eternity with Him and all the saints and feel upheld by the prayers of your many friends.
Love, Carol and Steve Moshier
Susan Carpenter
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Deepest sympathy to the whole family.
Betsy and Steve Peterson
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Marypat , Carol and Family,
It was an honor and a privilege to have met both your mom and dad. What a gift that you know that your mom and dad have the promise of eternal life through Christ! Sending you all our love and prayers as you celebrate your Mom’s wonderful lifeâ¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Love,
Betsy and Steve
Linda Ruby
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Marilyn truly was a firecracker! I am so happy I was able to meet her and spend some time with her. We are thinking of alll of you! Paul and Linda Ruby.