Marilyn Jean Love Watkins, age 82, formerly of Hutchinson, passed away on April 13, 2022. She was born June 16, 1939, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Charles Porter Mallam and Earline Louise Nelson. Marilyn was adopted by Lester and Helen (Russom) Love, of Partridge, on September 1, 1939.

Marilyn graduated from Partridge High School, attended Hutchinson Community College, and graduated from Grace Hospital School of Nursing. She was employed as a Registered Nurse at Grace Hospital, The Medical Center, and Hutchinson Hospital for 45 years, retiring in July 2005.

Survivors include: sons, Douglas Buck and David Buck and wife Jami of Wichita; two granddaughters, Katelyn Williams (Zach) of Olathe and Kristin Pinango Buck (Luis Miguel) of Wichita; one great-grandson, Theo Williams; a birth brother, Gene Kern; birth sisters, Anita Kern Staley, Judy Mallam Smith, Mary Mallam Netherton, Ruth Mallam, and Kathy Mallam Fleck.

She was preceded in death by: her birth and adopted parents; birth brother, Dick Mallam; and birth sister, Nancy Gress.

Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Partridge Cemetery, with the Reverend Sheridan Irick officiating.  Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice or Hutchinson Community College (for registered nursing scholarships), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N.  Main, Hutchinson, KS  67501.