Marilyn Cummings, 89, of Malcom, died on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, May 4, 2026 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell with Pastor Eric Schubert, Grinnell United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Malcom. A luncheon will follow at the Malcom American Legion.

Her family will receive friends at the visitation held prior to the service from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be designated to the Malcom Fire Department and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Marilyn's family online at www.smithfh.com.

Marilyn Christina Hunter was born the daughter of John and Gertrude (Robinson) Hunter on August 22, 1936, in Grinnell, Iowa. She was raised in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School with the Class of 1954.

On January 29, 1955, Marilyn was united in marriage to Marvin Scott "Mike" Cummings at the Grinnell United Methodist Church. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Vicki and Teresa, and a son, Marty. Together they raised their family on the family farm north of Malcom, where Marilyn devoted herself to caring for her home and family.

Marilyn's greatest love and joy was her family. She especially enjoyed attending her grandchildren's school and athletic events and was always proud to support them. She will be remembered for her kind, caring, and loving nature.

Marilyn was an excellent cook and made sure the men were well fed during harvest time. She was a hard worker, and her hands were proof of the life of dedication and care she lived. She enjoyed traveling, especially memorable trips to Ireland, Scotland, Alaska, Mexico, and Jamaica. Marilyn and Marvin also enjoyed going dancing together. She looked forward to Monday happy hour and became well known for her "Marilyn Margaritas." Marilyn held a strong faith and lived her life with love, kindness, and devotion to those around her.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Vicki Van Renterghem of Grinnell, Teresa (Brent)Wells of Malcom, and Marty(Joy) Cummings of Malcom; her grandchildren, Nicole (Zach) Stuart of Hudson IA, Tia (Joe Bonaventura)Heishman of Grinnell, Dustin Cummings of Malcom, Shamus (Erin)Wells of Grinnell, Courtney (Curtis) Michalek of Malcom, and Taylor (Dado)Pavic of West Des Moines, IA; her great-grandchildren, Kaylee Madole, Broc Heishman, and Kade Heishman, Payton and Makenzie Stuart, Cadence, Brody,& Dylan Cummings, Reese and Lane Wells, and Rowyn and Ryder Michalek. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Marvin in 2002; grandson, Luke Mann in 2010; her son-in-law, David Mann in 1996; and her son-in-law, John Van Renterghem in 2022.