Marilynn J. Wilson, 88, Hays, died Sunday, August 30, 2026 at Via Christi Village.
She was born July 1, 1938 in Hays, the oldest daughter of Harold and Mary (Rupp) Ellis. Marilynn graduated from Great Bend High School with the class of 1957. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Fort Hays State University and was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.
She taught high school mathematics in Strong City and later as a substitute teacher in Emporia.
Marilynn worked to achieve her best in all she did. She installed wallpaper with meticulous detail for lining up patterns, completed crossword puzzles in ink, and was excellent at needlepoint, cross stitch and knitting. She enjoyed caring for her lawn and flower beds.
While living in Emporia, Marilynn was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she was the liturgist and helped with collections. She had a devotion to the Rosary, and when moving to Hays in 2022, she began attending St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Survivors include her daughters Marnie Wilson and Mindy Wilson, both of Hays, her sister Carol Ackley of Denver, and two granddaughters Mia Lee and Alex Lee.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Wanda Greenwell.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9 a.m. until service time on Saturday at the church. A vigil service and Rosary will be at 6 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.
The family suggests memorials payable to Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas, The Humane Society of the High Plains, or to Hospice of HaysMed. Condolences and memories of Marilynn may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com.