Cimarron – Marilyn L. Marchel, 92, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 16, 2025 at The Shepherd’s Center in Cimarron. She was born on November 3, 1932, to John W. and Jessie (Wharton) McKaig in Anthony, Kansas, and grew up on a ranch southeast of Attica alongside her parents and two brothers, Johnny and Frank.

Marilyn attended a country school through her early years and graduated from Attica High School in 1950. She went on to earn her teaching degree from Southwestern College in Winfield in 1954. Although she knew her future husband growing up, they didn’t begin dating until after he returned from serving overseas in the Korean War. On November 26, 1954, she married the love of her life, James C. Marchel. Together, they built a Christ-centered home and were blessed with four children: Brad, Justin, Denise, and Michelle.

Marilyn devoted herself first to raising their children and later to a 32-year career as an elementary school teacher, serving in Pratt, Cimarron, and Liberal, KS. She was a gifted and passionate educator with a special love for art and history. Her creative teaching style left a lasting impact— many students fondly remember her immersive unit on Japan, complete with costumes and a traditional tea ceremony. She was also an active member of the Delta Kappa Gamma society for women educators.

Marilyn’s beloved husband, Jim, passed away from ALS in 1990. Widowed for nearly 35 years, she remained a woman of steadfast faith and quiet strength. She poured herself into the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, attending countless events and traveling many miles to be present. Her deep love for family was evident in everything she did.

In her later years, Marilyn found joy in painting, often creating daily. Her artwork is now a treasured legacy for her family. She also loved and remained devoted to her church, First Southern Baptist in Liberal, where she served faithfully in numerous roles. She taught Sunday school teacher, sang in the choir, worked in the library, worked in women’s ministry, and was a passionate supporter of missions. One of the highlights of her mission work was serving in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Her friends at church were her family for so many years.

In 2022, she moved to Cimarron to be closer to family and remained active until a recent illness this spring. Marilyn loved Jesus above all else. She was a beautiful example of grace, humility, and a beacon of quiet strength—devoted to her Savior, her family, her church, and her country. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her constant delight.

She is survived by her children: Bradley G. (Linda) Marchel, Gate, OK; Justin W. (Donna Walker) Marchel, Bullard, TX; Denise R. (Kevin) Conant, Cimarron, KS; and Michelle L. (Don) Delozier, Hereford, TX. Grandchildren include: Kandee Marchel, Mindy Marchel, and Samantha (Aaron) Jorgensen; Haleigh (Dustin) Fisher, Lexie (Garrett) Weiberg, and Tanner (Mikala) Marchel; Clinton (Courtney) Conant, Carrie (Jarod) Sams, and Kayla (Landry) Franks; Jessica (Tim) Bell, Dodge (Hannah) Delozier, and Dayton Delozier. Her 19 great-grandchildren include: Briggs Kavanagh, T.W. and Lindee Carson; Jax and Brooks Fisher; Palmer and Pierce Marchel; Sophie, Rory, Tilly, McCoy, and Jovi Conant; Cade Sams; Asher, Dru, and Margot Franks; and Bennett, Brynndall, and Breelynn Bell. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Kay McKaig and Audine McKaig, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers, her beloved husband Jim, daughters-in-law Shelby Bainey and Cathy Marchel, one grandchild, Jordan Lara, and three great-grandsons, Simeon and Elias Franks and Callum Sams.

Visitation will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Cimarron on Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be on Monday, July 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cimarron Church of the Nazarene, followed by a graveside service at 3:00 p.m. at the Attica Cemetery in Attica, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to First Southern Baptist Church – Liberal in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.