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Marilyn Ann Davis Garst (née Shinn), a loving mother, grandmother and registered nurse, passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Coon Rapids, at 93 years young.
Born July 4, 1931, in Creston, Marilyn lived a rich and fulfilling life, deeply rooted in her love for family, community and the arts. The only child of Wallace N. Shinn and Ruby Smith Shinn, Marilyn was raised in Creston, except for a brief period during World War II when the family resided in Des Moines.
After graduating from Creston High School, Marilyn pursued her passion for helping others, attending the Iowa Methodist School of Nursing and became a registered nurse. She later continued her health education and taught and coordinated nursing continuing education programs for Iowa Community College in Marshalltown.
Marilyn married Edison (Ed) Davis, and they raised their three daughters in State Center. Home was always a place where friends and family were welcomed with open arms. After the girls were grown, Marilyn married David Garst and moved to Coon Rapids, where she lived for more than 40 years and made countless friends.
Marilyn is survived by her three daughters: Becky Greenwald of Perry, Cyndi Davis Anderholt Messner (Roe) of Mountain Center, California, and Wichita, Kansas, and Sherry Fahsholtz (Mike) of Indian Wells, California, and East Wenatchee, Washington; stepdaughter-in law, Christine Garst of Olympia, Washington, and stepdaughter, Sallee Garst Haerr (Richard) of Fairfield. She was a proud grandmother to Adrienne Greenwald (Zac Andersen) of Des Moines, Matt Garst Taylor (Belinda) of Duluth, Minnesota, Jo Garst of Grass Valley, California, Zach Greenwald (Megan Michaelsen) of Perry, Dr. Anthony Fahsholtz (Alexis) of Naples, Florida, Sam Fahsholtz (Mariel) of Mountain Center, California, and Niki Fahsholtz of East Wenatchee, Washington; stepgrandchildren: Joseph Garst, Nathan Haerr and Phoebe Haerr and great-grandson, Jon Fahsholtz.
Preceding Marilyn in death were her parents; son-in-law, John Anderholt and stepsons, Sam Garst and Jimmy Garst.
Marilyn was engaged in her community and active in local and national Democratic politics. Her commitment to the community was evident in her service and participation in various organizations. She was a lifelong P.E.O. and member of Chapter DW, she served on the Friends of the Coon Rapids Library Board for nine years, was the longtime Coon Rapids United Fund secretary, member of Coon Rapids Women of Faith and Classy Ladies Who Lunch Bunch (formerly Coon Rapids Red Hat Ladies).
Marilyn loved to play bridge, golf and read. She belonged to multiple bridge clubs and loved playing Kings on the Corner with her grandkids. She actually won several hands playing just five days before her death. Marilyn had a deep appreciation for the performing arts, especially the Des Moines Symphony and Broadway Series. She enjoyed the simple pleasure of morning coffee with friends. She was a proud lifelong Iowa resident who enjoyed traveling the world.
Marilyn’s life was a testament to the power of love, community and lifelong learning. She touched the lives of everyone she met, and her legacy of compassion, dedication and kindness will continue to inspire those who knew her.
A memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 13, followed by lunch, at the United Methodist Church in Coon Rapids. Family visitation will be at 10 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at 3 p.m. in Graceland Cemetery in Creston.
Marilyn Garst will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family, friends and all those whose lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Marilyn’s memory to Planned Parenthood North Central States or Friends of the Coon Rapids Library. Online condolences can be given at www.powersfh.com.