Hometown: Oxford Junction, Iowa October 12, 1936 - August 28, 2015

Obituary information for Marilyn Ann Jeffery, 78, of Oxford Junction, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 27, with her family at her side. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2015, at 10:30 a.m at the Oxford Junction United Methodist Church in Oxford Junction. Burial will be held at the Mayflower Cemetery in Oxford Junction. Friends may call on Tuesday evening from 4 for 8 p.m. at Lahey Funeral Home in Oxford Junction .

Marilyn Ann Benhart was born on October 12, 1936, daughter of Louis and Anna (Carstensen) Benhart in Oxford Junction. She was a graduate of the Oxford Junction High School, Class of '54. On August 16, 1958, she married the love of her life, Gaylard Lee Jeffery, in Oregon, Illinois. In addition to raising her children, she was a receptionist with Kenneth N. Andersen, M.D. She also sold Avon products which she delivered on her bicycle for many years.

Marilyn was a Girl Scout leader and a Boy Scouts helper when her children were young, and also volunteered with her church. She was an avid bowler and attended many national tournaments. She enjoyed playing golf and quilting. She was a member of the ZCBJ Lodge in Oxford Junction, serving as both treasurer and vice president . She was also known for her rye bread and cheese sandwiches.

Surviving her loss is her husband of 57 years, Gaylard; four children: Alanna Gay (Tom Michoski) Jeffery of Grand Mound, IA; Ryan David (Sheri Carson) Jeffery of Robins, IA; Elise Marie (Denny) Pool of Byron Center , MI; and Marla Rae (Scott) Happel of Center Point, IA; grandchildren: Adam (Jessica) and Megan Pool, Holle and Mitchell Michoski, Taylor and Carson Jeffery, Griffin and Jake Happel; great grandchildren: Wyatt and Kennedy Pool; sister, Lois Juehring, of Oxford Junction; brother, Kenneth (Barb) Benhart of Maquoketa; sister- and brother-in-law, Sharon (Melvin) Latare; sister-in-law, Mona Kay Jeffery; brother- and sister-in-law, Randy (Nancy) Kuehl; and brother-in-law, James O'Grady; and the Minnesota Family.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Anna Benhart; brother, Melvin "Red" (Betty) Benhart; and brother-in-law, Walter "Bud" Juehring.

The family asks that donations be made to The Palliative Care Center at the University of Iowa or the Jones County Regional Hospital in Anamosa in lieu of flowers.