Marilyn Ruth (Williams) Freese, 80, died July 10, 2013, in Hutchinson, Kan. She was born July 21, 1932, in Bucklin, Kan., the daughter of Paul Wesley and Doris Isabel (Bryan) Williams.

Marilyn graduated in 1949 from Washburn Rural High School in Topeka and then received a provisional teacher's certificate from Emporia State Teachers College in 1953. She taught at Winans Elementary School for a short time before becoming a fulltime mother and homemaker.

Marilyn met her husband, Evans Glenn Freese, in Hutchinson, and they married Aug. 14, 1954, in Waverly, Kan. They celebrated 51 years of loving marriage together.

She was a follower of Christ and a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Marilyn served in her community and church, singing in the choir and playing in the bell choir. Additionally, she enjoyed assisting an immigrant family integrate within the church. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Marilyn volunteered in elementary schools reading to children. She was an encouraging and positive influence for her children, grandchildren and many others. Marilyn was an avid gardener, reader, and learner and was proud to receive her Bachelor of Science from Sterling College at the age of 66.

She is survived by a daughter, Paula Nyman and husband William "Bill" of Overland Park, Kan.; four grandchildren, Caroline Evans Rausch and husband Benjamin of Wichita, Paige Eleanor Nyman of Ft. Worth, Texas, Rebekah Ann Nyman and David William Nyman of Overland Park; two brothers, Bence Williams and wife Sharon of Lawrence, Kan., John Williams and wife Nettie of Norman, Okla. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 15, 2013, at Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson, with Pastors Jim Rhaesa and Mike McGuire presiding. Burial will be at 4 p.m. Monday in Highlands Cemetery, Ottawa, Kan. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with family to receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. The casket will be closed.

Memorials may be made to the Hutchinson Public Library for memorial books or Trinity's Treasures Scholarship Program, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.