Marilyn J. Affolter, age 92 of Clay Center, passed away Saturday, January 9, 2021, at the Clay Center Presbyterian Manor. She was born on November 23, 1928, at the family farm in Clay County to Arnold and Opal (Cassity) Thornton.
On October 3, 1948, she was married to Don Affolter at the family farm home near Green, KS. They were married for 58 years.
In addition to her husband, Don, she was preceded in death by her parents; son, Dennis Affolter; brother, Richard Thornton.
Marilyn is survived by sons, Jerry (Marsha) Affolter of Overland Park, David (Cindy) Affolter of rural Morganville, daughter Jackie (Bill) Chestnut of Salina, daughter-in-law Michelle Affolter of Topeka; sister, Mary Strom of Seattle, WA; grandchildren: Jeremy (Ann) Affolter, Michelle (Jeff) Rotert, Matt Affolter, Kajsa Affolter O’Toole (Mike O’Toole), Brennan Affolter, Nathan (Laurel) Affolter, Kyle (Amy) Affolter, Ryan (Megan, fiancée) Affolter; and great-grandchildren: Alex, Kamdyn, Khloey, Maris, Donovan, Waverly, Rose, Lydia, Bronson, Farrah, Annika, Maddox.
Marilyn attended Coffel Grade School, then went to Green HS for 2 years before transferring to Clay Center High School where she graduated in 1946. Marilyn and Don farmed in the Morganville Community until 1990, when they retired and moved to Clay Center. They were members of the Idana Presbyterian Church for many years before transferring their membership to the Clay Center Presbyterian Church. While at the Idana Church, Marilyn and Don were active in the Mariner’s Club, as well as Junior and Senior High Youth Group leaders.
Marilyn and Don enjoyed traveling overseas with family and friends, and toured most states in this country. Marilyn was involved in various social, church, and bridge clubs, and volunteered with the Lighthouse and Meals on Wheels.
Respect calls may be made from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 14, 2021, at the Neil-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 15, 2021, at the Clay Center First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Scott Lingle officiating. Interment will follow at the Bloom Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Clay Center Presbyterian Manor, the Clay Center First Presbyterian Church, or Meadowlark Hospice. Contributions may be left in care of the funeral home.