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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Marilyn Kay
Holden
October 4, 1951 – July 12, 2025
Obituary
Holden, Marilyn Kay (Grimm), 73, died Saturday, July 12, 2025. Marilyn was born in Kansas City, MO, October 4, 1951 to William Thomas & Pauline Elizabeth (Srader) Grimm.
After high school at Nathan Hale in Tulsa, Marilyn earned a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Oklahoma University. Though she never taught in public schools, her education in psychology helped hone her innate empathy and compassion for people and was used throughout her work and personal life.
Marilyn's time on earth was not defined by a job or career, but rather by the people she cared for and lives she touched. From 1976 to 1998, her primary work was raising her only child, daughter Stacy Withrow. She never remarried, and did whatever she could to earn a living as a single mom- from running a daycare center, managing a pawn shop, or selling insurance, to leading a team of financial collections agents, and finally a decade working in the corporate offices of Mazzio's Pizza.
In 2001, after the death of her father, Marilyn became sole caregiver for her mother, Pauline. For 13 years- until her own health declined- the two lived together and she nursed Pauline through the grief of loss, two types of cancer, and early dementia.
Another large part of Marilyn's life was John Knox Presbyterian Church. She was raised in the church by her parents and formed many lifelong relationships there. She later served in numerous leadership positions, including several years as the church's liaison to and the Director of the Child Development Center.
Marilyn spent her final years in the care of nursing homes and hospice teams. Even in those circumstances, she was a favorite among the staff, known for her huge smile and positive attitude. Her love of Christ and faith in God were reflected in her sweet, kind, and patient spirit. In addition to her daughter, Stacy Withrow, Marilyn is survived by her brother, William R Grimm and his family, wife Sharon and son Andrew.
Memorial Service, 3 p.m., Wednesday, July 23, 2025, John Knox Sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to John Knox Presbyterian Church in Marilyn's memory.
After high school at Nathan Hale in Tulsa, Marilyn earned a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Oklahoma University. Though she never taught in public schools, her education in psychology helped hone her innate empathy and compassion for people and was used throughout her work and personal life.
Marilyn's time on earth was not defined by a job or career, but rather by the people she cared for and lives she touched. From 1976 to 1998, her primary work was raising her only child, daughter Stacy Withrow. She never remarried, and did whatever she could to earn a living as a single mom- from running a daycare center, managing a pawn shop, or selling insurance, to leading a team of financial collections agents, and finally a decade working in the corporate offices of Mazzio's Pizza.
In 2001, after the death of her father, Marilyn became sole caregiver for her mother, Pauline. For 13 years- until her own health declined- the two lived together and she nursed Pauline through the grief of loss, two types of cancer, and early dementia.
Another large part of Marilyn's life was John Knox Presbyterian Church. She was raised in the church by her parents and formed many lifelong relationships there. She later served in numerous leadership positions, including several years as the church's liaison to and the Director of the Child Development Center.
Marilyn spent her final years in the care of nursing homes and hospice teams. Even in those circumstances, she was a favorite among the staff, known for her huge smile and positive attitude. Her love of Christ and faith in God were reflected in her sweet, kind, and patient spirit. In addition to her daughter, Stacy Withrow, Marilyn is survived by her brother, William R Grimm and his family, wife Sharon and son Andrew.
Memorial Service, 3 p.m., Wednesday, July 23, 2025, John Knox Sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to John Knox Presbyterian Church in Marilyn's memory.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Marilyn Kay Holden, please visit our flower store.
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