Marilyn Jane Haines, 78, of Grinnell, Iowa, peacefully entered her heavenly home on July 1, 2026, at Iowa River Hospice in Marshalltown, Iowa.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 am on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell, IA. A luncheon will be held following the graveside service at Grinnell Eagles Club.

Marilyn was born on December 9, 1947, in Newton, Iowa, to Floyd Dale and Kathryn Rebecca (Heifner) Runner. She was raised on her family's farm near Kellogg, where she developed the strong work ethic, resilience, and compassion that would define her life. She graduated from Newton High School and, during her senior year, married the love of her life, Roy Wilford Haines, on January 7, 1966.

Together, Marilyn and Roy built a life rooted in love and devotion. They made their home in Marshalltown before moving to Montour in 1971. Following Roy's retirement in 1985, they settled in Grinnell. Although Roy passed away in 1987, the love they shared remained with Marilyn throughout the rest of her life.

Marilyn attended cosmetology school and spent many years working in the hair department at Yonkers before later joining Jerry's Cleaners in Grinnell. Whether at work or in everyday life, she was known for her warm smile, gentle nature, and genuine kindness. Nothing meant more to Marilyn than her family. She found immense joy in hearing about the lives of those she loved and treasured every visit, every conversation, and every shared memory. She loved driving her cherished Monte Carlo, adored her loyal German Shepherd, Zeus, found comfort in music, and enjoyed staying active through fitness.

Marilyn had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, valued, and loved. She never forgot a birthday, a holiday, or an opportunity to brighten someone's day with a thoughtful card, kind words, or a simple reminder that they mattered. Even in the face of life's greatest hardships and declining health, she met each day with quiet courage, unwavering grace, and a heart that never stopped caring for others.

To know Marilyn was to know kindness. She was beautiful not only in appearance but in spirit—a devoted daughter, loving wife, cherished aunt, faithful friend, and beloved sister. Her gentle soul, generous heart, and steadfast strength left an unforgettable mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Words cannot fully express the light she brought into this world or the countless lives she touched simply by being herself.

She is lovingly survived by her nephew, Clifford (Sandy) Piatt; her great-niece, Maci (Irvin Cook) Piatt, Lilianna and Adam; her great-nephew, Damon (Kirsten) Piatt, and their children, C.D., Macius; great nephew Josh Schroyer his son Jordan, her nephew, Jeffrey Piatt; her nephew, Matthew Piatt; and her sister, Marlene Runner-Krough.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roy Wilford Haines; her parents, Floyd Dale and Kathryn Rebecca Runner; and her nephew, Tony Piatt. Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, her family finds peace in knowing she is whole again and reunited with those who went before her. Marilyn's legacy is one of unconditional love, quiet strength, enduring faith, and extraordinary kindness. Her love lives on in every life she touched, and her memory will forever remain a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing her.