GUERNSEY – What a Life! Born Marilyn Elizabeth Bailey to Arthur Clifford and Louise Bailey on Nov. 1, 1936, in Morrill, Neb.
After graduation from Veteran High School, she married Roger James Darnall in the Fort Laramie Presbyterian Church on Nov. 14, 1954. Together they had three children. Sadly, Marilyn lost her only son in an auto accident when he was just three years old.
As a homemaker, she enjoyed gardening, crafts and family activities. She helped her Guernsey community each year prepare the rodeo grounds for the annual Fourth of July festivities.
Tragically she lost Roger in an accident on the Platte River. Marilyn remarried Robert L. Fletcher on June 2, 1972, adding two more daughters to her family. She worked side by side with Bob on his excavating service. Her community service continued as they helped the Old Timer’s with the annual BBQ. Marilyn joined both TOPS and Red Hat Society, but her biggest joys were traveling with Bob to various locations, spending time at her cabin, and working crossword/picture puzzles.
Marilyn passed away on June 29, 2020, after suffering with dementia and several falls. She is survived by her daughters Sherry Lea (David) Wilson of Riverton, Peggy (Gary) Anderson of Guernsey, Sherry (Carl) Engler of Hudson, and Tammy (Tom) Reed of Dubois; grandchildren Wendi Werger, Candi King, Tabitha Parker, Talon Collar, Derek Faller and Breanna Peck; sisters Elva McGilvrey, Dorothy Oaks, Helen Bailey and Jean Borland. She had 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her son James Dean Darnall, her parents, both her husbands, and one sister, Hazel Williams.
Due to COVID-19, please bring a chair to the Fort Laramie Park north of the Presbyterian Church. A Celebration of Life to honor Marilyn will be 10 a.m., Aug. 8, 2020. Burial with her husband Bob of 47 years will follow at the Wheatland Cemetery at 3 p.m. that afternoon.
Memorials may be made to the Guernsey VFW Auxiliary Post 4471, Platte County Senior Center, or a charity of your choice.
