Marion was born February 10, 1919, on the family farm northeast of Grinnell where she was raised and began her career as an avid reader. She graduated from Grinnell High School and from Grinnell College in 1942. She earned her Master's degree in Library Science from the University of Denver. Marian worked at libraries in Clinton and Waterloo, Iowa before returning to Grinnell to be Stewart Library librarian for twenty-two years. She then worked for the Des Moines Library system for nineteen years. Upon retiring, Marian returned to live in Grinnell. Library work was an avocation, as well as, a vocation for Marian. The varied activities of her life included club memberships, world travels, concert attendance, card collecting, and volunteer work reflect Marian's keen interest in literature, history, community service, church and family. Marian printed a compilation for her family members of her grandfather's Civil War letters. She researched and assembled in notebooks genealogical accounts. This exacting Marian enjoyed using humor in her original verse. In daily life, she sometimes cut, sometimes mended with her quirky wit. Marian leaves surviving family bereft. She was preceded in death by her parents. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation to benefit Stewart Library.