Marilyn McMurray Howard Smith

TAMA-Marilyn Mae McMurray Howard Smith, 76, of Tama, passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at Birkwood Village in Toledo under the care of Iowa River Hospice. A Memorial Graveside Service will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Grandview Cemetery in rural Tama.

Marilyn was born on August 22, 1948, in Toledo, Iowa, the daughter of Carl and Margaret (Braden) McMurry.

She attended New Sharon schools.

On May 11, 1967, she married Verne Howard in New Sharon, Iowa and together they had four children. He passed away in 1998. She later married Vernon Smith on June 30, 2019.

Marilyn was previously employed as a custodian at Vermeer Corporation in Pella. She also worked at various restaurants and at DeLong’s Sewing Center in Gilman.

Marilyn loved camping and gardening. She enjoyed Elvis impersonators and attending the Blue Grass Festival in Bloomfield, Iowa.

Survivors include her husband, Vernon Smith of Tama; four children, Lynn (Rodney Harrell) Willis of Holts Summit, MO, Stacey (Renée) Howard of Houston, TX, Rhonda (Kerry) Sullivan of Osage Beach, MO, and Brian (Andrea) Howard of Colorado; four grandchildren, Derek Sullivan, Seth and Cole Willis, and Nate Howard; sister, Betty (Raynard) Arp of Toledo.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her first husband, Verne Howard; and one brother, Glen McMurray.

A memorial fund will be established.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.