Marilyn Ann Fitzgerald

Marilyn Ann Fitzgerald September 18, 1936 – February 13, 2026 Marilyn Ann Fitzgerald, age 89, of Buffalo, Missouri, entered into rest on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Pine Lodge Residential Care Facility. Marilyn was born on September 18, 1936, in Tunas, Missouri, the seventh child and fourth daughter of Hannah Lee and Lillie Mable (Maddux) Harmon. She was raised in a loving farm community where neighbors cared for one another and lifelong friendships were formed. She often shared fond memories of walking miles to visit friends and climbing in barns as a young girl. She graduated as valedictorian of her high school class in Tunas. After graduation, Marilyn married Ronald Lilley and began her life as a devoted wife and mother. Together they raised four children while managing a dairy farm. She often said those years were among the happiest of her life. She loved the rhythm of farm life and the joy of raising her family there. Later, Marilyn discovered her calling in nursing. She returned to school, became a registered nurse, and went on to earn her Master’s degree and became a Nurse Practitioner in Clinical Psychology. She devoted the rest of her life to serving others. She worked in prenatal care, hospice, and counseling, walking alongside families in times of grief, guiding heart patients through life-altering moments, and helping countless individuals navigate life’s challenges. Even in her final years, she continued counseling others at the care facility where she lived. She truly had a gift for listening, understanding, and offering comfort. Marilyn adored her children and treasured being a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother. She was compassionate, wise, and always willing to “lend an ear.” Her kindness, strength, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Helen Hyde, Russell Harmon, Rex Harmon, Rosco Harmon, and Irene Rowden. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Craig Lilley and wife Debbie, Rhonda Wright and husband Rick, Chad Lilley and wife Trudy, Robin Stewart and husband Ernie. Four stepchildren: Joe Fitzgerald and wife Jane, John Fitzgerald and wife Christie, Cathy Schultz and husband Eric, Linda Saliga and husband Steve. 17 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and her sisters, Phyllis Barclay and Carolyn Hayes. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation from 1:00–2:00 p.m., at Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home in Buffalo, Missouri. Graveside service will be held Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at 2600 Lovers Lane, Saint Joseph, Missouri. Cremation rite have been entrusted to Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home, Buffalo, Missouri.

Marilyn Ann Fitzgerald

September 18, 1936 - February 13, 2026