Marilyn Smith Haynes was born on May 15, 1947, and went to be with the Lord on May 17, 2025 at the age of 78, at Sterling Village in Sterling, Kansas, just two days after celebrating her birthday. Marilyn lived a life defined by quiet strength, heartfelt generosity, steadfast faith, and deep devotion to those she loved.
Marilyn, the daughter of Dan and Pauline (Welch) Smith, was raised on a farm near Pawnee Rock, Kansas, and was a 1965 graduate of Pawnee Rock High School. She received her college degrees and counseling certification from Fort Hays State University. She was a proud and active member of the Fort Hays Alumni Association.
On June 8th of 1968, she married Chuck Haynes. He survives of the home. Together, they raised a family grounded in love, service, and laughter. She leaves behind three children who were her pride and joy: Kim Heath (Dan) of Great Bend, Chuck Haynes Jr. (Dana) of Houston, Texas, and Kelly Dahl of Overland Park, Kansas. Marilyn found her greatest delight in her role as Grammy to her cherished grandchildren: Kary (Sarah), Ashtin (John), Patrick (Jalyn), and Quinton Heath; Kelsey and Konnor Dahl; and Elsie Haynes. Her love for them was limitless, and her presence in their lives will be deeply missed.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Dan and Pauline Smith, her dear sister Judy Ogle, a treasured granddaughter, Kaitlyn Dahl, and two beloved nephews, Joe and Scott Ogle. She is survived by many cherished relatives and friends.
Marilyn was called to dedicate her professional life to serving her students. She taught business at Royal Valley High School and later became a school counselor in the Claflin and St. John school districts, where she guided countless young people with grace, patience, and wisdom. Marilyn’s impact as an educator and counselor remains in the hearts of those she supported and believed in, often when they needed it most.
A woman of deep and abiding faith, Marilyn was a lifelong member of the New Jerusalem Church in Pawnee Rock and also a devoted member of the Prince of Peace Catholic Parish (St. Patrick’s) in Great Bend, where she was active in the Altar Society. She also found joy with the Claflin Girls Night Out group, a circle of lifelong friends who filled her life with laughter and love.
In her free time, Marilyn cherished being with family and friends and scrapbooking for the grandchildren (may they always remember how much their Grammy loved them) and her annual Christmas letter enjoyed by all for over 50 years.
To know Marilyn was to know kindness and strength; to feel deeply cared for; to be listened to without judgment. She was a loyal friend, a devoted wife and mother, and a guiding light to so many. Her gentle presence will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered. We thank everyone who enriched her life by including her in theirs.
Visitation will take place from Noon to 8 p.m. Monday, May 26, 2025, with an Altar Society Rosary at 4 p.m., family receiving guests at 6 p.m. and a Vigil at 7 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, with Father Prakash Kola presiding. Interment will follow at the Great Bend Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the New Jerusalem Church, Prince of Peace Parish, Santa America or the Golden Belt Humane Society, in honor of Marilyn’s generous spirit and enduring compassion. All memorials will be in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Rd.
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 20, 2025
