BOONE — Marilyn J. Davison, 100, a longtime Mason City resident, died peacefully September 3, 2026, at West Haven in Boone, surrounded by family sharing memories, laughter, hugs and music.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 19, at First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia Avenue in Mason City, with Pastor Jon Montgomery officiating. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour before the service, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Inurnment will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Eldora City Cemetery in Eldora.
Marilyn June March was born June 10, 1926, in Hampton to Cyril and Inez (Peters) March. She grew up on a farm, attended country school through eighth grade and later graduated from high school in Hampton.
A trip to a roller-skating rink in Iowa Falls changed the course of her life when she met Warren Davison. The two skated together, beginning a relationship that would eventually span more than seven decades of marriage.
Warren served in the Army during World War II, and after he returned home, he and Marilyn were married November 3, 1946.
Their family grew over the following years. Daughter Patricia was born in 1950, followed by Sherry in 1952 while the family lived at Pammel Court in Ames as Warren attended Iowa State University. Linda was born in Webster City in 1955.
In 1960, the family moved to Mason City, which became their longtime home. Their fourth daughter, Diana, was born after the move.
Marilyn embraced her roles as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and eventually great-great-grandmother. Family was at the center of her life, and she rarely missed an opportunity to take part in the activities and milestones of those she loved.
Her faith was equally important.
Marilyn was an active member of Mason City First United Methodist Church and the VFW Auxiliary. She regularly helped with church activities and became particularly well known for organizing rummage sales, earning the affectionate nickname “the Rummage Sale Queen.”
She spent more than 25 years as an Avon representative and achieved President’s Status. The work became about much more than selling products, as Marilyn developed lasting friendships with many of her customers.
She enjoyed camping, flower gardening, sewing, reading and painting crafts. She continued taking classes throughout her life and maintained a curiosity and desire to keep learning.
Marilyn was also remembered as an excellent cook. Family members could often count on finding a homemade pie or cobbler waiting when they visited.
In 2018, Marilyn and Warren moved to Homestead Assisted Living in Mason City. Warren died in 2019 after the couple had shared 73 years of marriage.
Marilyn moved to West Haven in Boone in the fall of 2025 to be closer to family, where regular visits became an important part of her days.
She reached a remarkable milestone in June 2026 when she celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family. During that time, she was able to meet great-granddaughter Fern and great-great-granddaughter Callie.
Even after losing her eyesight and grieving the loss of Warren, Marilyn remained interested in the lives of others. Her family remembers her continuing to offer care, gratitude, humor and concern for those around her.
She passed along simple principles that shaped generations of her family: be grateful, look for the good in people, treat others as you would want to be treated, listen with empathy and keep faith at the center of life.
Marilyn is survived by her daughters, Patricia (Chuck) Behm, Sherry (Russ) Candee, Linda Davison and Diana (Gary) Grassel; longtime family friends Thia and Maverick Kimman; grandchildren Jason (Marci) Behm, Katie (Kris) Nystrom, Kylie (Nate) Newhard, Emily (Brian) Guetzlaff, Rachael (David) Sample and Val (Sam) Harrington; great-grandchildren Brogan Wood, Riley and Wyatt Behm, Cole, Oliver and Ira Newhard, Addilyn and Hadley Guetzlaff, Macie and Paul Sample and Fern Harrington; and great-great-granddaughter Callie (Wood) Stoneburner.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Warren; siblings Elizabeth “Betty” Williams and James “Jimmie” March; stepmother Fern March; grandson Christopher Behm; and great-granddaughter Sweet Pea Harrington.
Major Erickson Funeral Home is caring for Marilyn and her family. To read the complete obituary or leave a remembrance for Marilyn’s family, please click here.
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