Marilyn Kay Young, "Pink Rose in the Desert", 71, of Montrose, IA, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, IA.

She was born on February 17, 1951 in Quincy, IL the daughter of Edward A. and Betty (Paup) Huggins. Marilyn graduated from Fort Madison High School with the Class of 1969. At the age of 40, Marilyn continued her schooling and received her Associate's Degree from Southeastern Community College.

On August 3, 1974, Marilyn was united in marriage to Alvin "Soaring Eagle" Young in Kahoka, MO.

He survives.

Other survivors include her daughter, Heather Martinez (Claude) of Keokuk, her son, Joshua "Eagleclaw" Young of Keokuk, ten grandchildren, Noah Gould, Austin Brockett, Dakota Martinez, Jonathan Young, T.J. Thornburg, Brayden and Jada Young, Scottie and Taylor Calhoun and Jenny Johnson and three great-grandchildren, Kayson and Keelyn Calhoun and Amiah Gillham. She is also survived by one sister, Sally Newby of Arkansas, three sisters-in-law, Leona Young, Vera Morris and Betty Young all of Kahoka, one brother-in-law Larry Young (Joyce) of Kahoka, her two best friends, Carla Mikolajczyk and Judy Miller and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her grandmother, Mary Meyers, her parents-in-law, Skeet and Ava Young, one child at birth, four brothers-in-law, Larry Newby, Dennis York, Joe Young and Lyle Davis and two sisters-in-law, Jeanette Zinnert and Wanda Davis.

Marilyn had been employed as a CNA and Activity Coordinator at several area Nursing Homes.

She was a member of the Church of New Beginnings in Keokuk.

Marilyn was very proud of her Native American Cherokee Heritage and enjoyed celebrating the traditions and customs of the Native American people. She was a great cook and fixed meals for the Hubinger workers while they were on lockout. She and her husband loved to travel in their RV. She collected Pez candy dispensers and on their travels she was always looking for dispensers to add to her collection. Marilyn had a heart for people and was willing to give and help others. She loved her church family and every Wednesday following church she prepared a meal for everyone. She lived by the motto, "If I fed you, I loved you."

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on November 21, 2022, at the Church of New Beginnings in Keokuk with Pastor Bob Payne and Pastor Kim McNamar officiating.

Memorials may be made to the PAW Animal Shelter in Fort Madison or to the family.