Marilynn M. Rushton, age 72 of Menomonie, died Sunday, November 16, 2014 at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire with her family by her side.

Marilynn was born February 15, 1942 in Milwaukee, WI.  She was the daughter of John C. Mundy Sr. and Betty J. (Lewis) Mundy.  Marilynn grew up in Milwaukee.  In seventh grade, she attended a church camp, and around the camp fire she felt a calling to the Ministry.  After high school, Marilynn attended Lawrence University in Appleton and graduated in 1963.  Following her time at Lawrence she attended Seminary at Drew University in New Jersey.  While there she met and married Richard Rushton on June 6, 1964.  She received her Master of Divinity degree in 1966, and together Marilynn and Richard moved to Wisconsin to begin their Ministries.  Marilynn was ordained as the first female pastor in the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church.  Marliynn and her husband served congregations in Milwaukee, Beaver Dam, Durand, Arkansaw, Eau Galle, Sturgeon Bay, Jacksonport, Sun Prairie and retired while serving her congregation in Menomonie. Following Richard’s death in 2009, Marilynn was an active volunteer with many organization’s including:  The Menomonie Free Health Clinic, Menomonie Chaplaincy Program, Gospel Choir, PEO and as a classroom volunteer at Oaklawn Elementary School.  Marilynn had a strong faith throughout her life and attended Lake Street United Methodist Church in Eau Claire and United Methodist Church in Menomonie.  Marilynn married her longtime friend William Ziegler in May of 2011.

Marilynn enjoyed her time camping, traveling to Germany, Africa, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, England and many place in the United States. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Marilynn is survived by her children; Lori (Dale) Blank of Hazelhurst, Mark (Michelle) Rushton of Lake Mills,  Shaun (Ashley Ellingson) Rushton of Portland, OR,  Heidi (Jerry) King of Elk Mound,  grandchildren, Daniel and Michael King; Julia, Nicholas and Braedon Blank, Graham Rushton and one brother John (Judy) Mundy Jr. of Oak Creek.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husbands Richard Rushton June 24, 2009 and William Ziegler February 2, 2014.

Memorial graveside services will be held at a later date in the spring at the Iron Creek Cemetery, rural Menomonie.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:  The Healing Place; Elsie Shaw Memorial Scholarship; WI Conference UMC Pension Fund.

Condolences

1. Sandra Prebeg December 4, 2014, at 5:47pm

   My deepest sympathies to Dick and Marilynn's children and grandchildren.

2. Sallie Ward November 28, 2014, at 6:21pm

   To Lori, Mark, Shaun and Heidi,

   Marilynn was my pastor, my co-worker, my friend.

   From July 1993 when Marilynn came to Menomonie UMC until I retired at the end of 1997, we had a good working relationship.

   Marilynn brought the office in the technical age, insisting that we be computerized. I took several classes at the church's expense and learned a lot. If I had any questions that Marilynn couldn't answer, Bill was always available.

   Marilynn and I had fun in the office, too. I really ragged on her when she arrived one day wearing one navy blue shoe and one brown shoe. She explained that Dick was sleeping and she hadn't turned on the light.

   Marilynn always delivered good sermons and was an excellent teacher. I took several classes from her both before and after I retired.

   I well remember what a good hostess Marilynn was. The Christmas open houses and other festivities were always very enjoyable.

   We went out to lunch occasionally, even after I retired, usually opting for Chinese food. One of the last times I saw her, Marilynn said, “We need to do lunch.”

   Marilynn was a very special person, one whom I'm glad to have known. I will miss her.

   May God bless all of you as you learn to go one without your dear mother.

   Sincerely,

   Sallie Ward

3. Robert Adams November 22, 2014, at 8:45am

   Marilynn and Dick Rushton meant a great deal to me as a gay teenager growing up in Milwaukee. I found genuine acceptance and support from both of them at a difficult time when there was little understanding. I cannot overstate what it meant to me. I since moved to California and then to Austin, but always felt the connection through Marilyn's Christmas newsletters. I have saved every one of them and they were very much a part of Christmas for me. I did get a chance to speak with Dick on the phone while he was ill. I feel deeply saddened to learn that Marilynn passed on last week. She was not very old and this comes as a complete shock to me. If she could write one more Christmas newsletter, she would have given all the details. I would very much like to know more about the events leading up to her passing and the cause of it. I hope that she made a peaceful transition. She was lovely human being who made a great difference to me.

4. Barbie Taylor-Weborg November 21, 2014, at 7:42pm

   "Kids",
   I have such wonderful memories of the 2 summers I spent babysitting all of you! Your parents made such a huge impact in my life...especially your mom! Once I went off to college, she would call me and ask me to go out for coffee when I was home for vacation. She treated me like an adult, which I loved! I always felt like I could talk about anything with her, and I so missed all of you when you left! Confirmation was amazing because of your parents. I wish my kids could have the same experience. Your mom encouraged me to go into the ministry, which I never did, but I've always been very involved in my church, thanks to your parents and Steve and Carol Wood! I wouldn't be the person I am today w/o their love, acceptance and guidance. Love and hugs to you all!

5. Nancy and Don Hensel November 21, 2014, at 1:25pm

   So sad to hear of Marilynn's passing. We hope memories of her life bring you comfort and peace.

6. David Uher November 19, 2014, at 4:02pm

   Dear Rushton Family, By coincidence, I tried calling Marilynn at home this morning and later, saw her obituary in the paper. Your mom was a dear friend of mine and I feel her loss profoundly.
   Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help during this difficult transition.
   You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

7. Kendall Schneider November 19, 2014, at 9:31am

   It is with great sadness when I learned of Marilynn's passing. I had first met her in 2007 as we rehearsed with the Wisconsin Gospellers for our tour in 2008. We had many great experiences on that trip. I can vividly remember having breakfast at a young mans work (experience) farm in Nauen, Germany. She will be greatly missed by all!

8. Davine Thaw November 19, 2014, at 1:59am

   Dearest Lori, Mark, Shaun and Heidi, I am so sorry to hear of your mum's death. It feels FAR TO SOON! I am really thinking of you and will write separately. Perhaps one of you might send me an email address? Meanwhile I send warm hugs and lots of love. Day.

9. Larry Brown November 18, 2014, at 10:43pm

   So sorry for your loss.

10. Renee (Olson) Simpson November 18, 2014, at 7:25pm

    I am sending my sympathy and prayers during this difficult time for your family. Hugs Lori!

11. Jerry and Marilyn Keiser November 18, 2014, at 6:03pm

    Our prayers are with all your families during this time of loss of a great mother, grandmother and pastor. She and your whole family were such a blessing to us when both our families "landed" in Sun Prairie in 1986. We have very special memories. May God Bless and give you all Peace.

12. Sharon Cole Coon November 18, 2014, at 10:45am

    Pastor Marilynn was such a giving person. When my Mom was on her death bed, we called and Marilynn rushed over to the hospital right away, prayed with us, and was actually there when Mom passed on. Marilynn was then a great source of comfort to my Dad as he tried to move forward alone. Marilynn also was part of my Dad's memorial service even though she had left UMC by the time he passed in 2004. My thoughts and prayers go out to her entire family and friends.

13. Jamie Arenz November 18, 2014, at 9:24am

    Shaun and Heidi, I am very sorry for your loss. I hope you will soon find healing.

14. Dick and Linda Keepers November 18, 2014, at 7:58am

    We got to know Marilynn through church at Lake Street and we sang together in Chancel Choir. We will miss her very much. We often enjoyed conversations with Marilynn and Bill during coffee time on Sunday mornings

15. Barry and Ruby Shaw November 18, 2014, at 7:11am

    The obit. For Marilynn brings back many memories. May God bring you comfort through the sharing of her many friends.

16. David Whitman November 17, 2014, at 9:47pm

    Dear Heidi, Shawn, Lori, and Mark,

    Please accept my condolences at the loss of Marilynn. She was and remains a light in my life. She is and will always be with me in my thoughts, and I will be thinking of you.

    Sincerely,

    David Whitman

17. Beverly Maser November 17, 2014, at 3:50pm

    Dear Lori, Mark, Shawn and Heidi and families:
    As you know, I too have lost a very special person in my life with this loss of your mom.
    May God be comfort and strength for each of you and those special grandkids that meant so much to Marilynn.
    Am hopeful we can have a time to share and remember Mom, Mema, Mar .. my special friend .. before spring ...
    God Bless, Love, Beverly

18. Kathy Bailey November 17, 2014, at 2:39pm

    Marilynn was a sweet, loving P.E.O. sister to me. I will surely miss her.

19. Dan and Julie Taylor November 17, 2014, at 2:31pm

    Dear Lori, Mark, Shaun and Heidi,

    We were sad to learn of your mother's recent death. We don't know what caused her death and haven't seen her since you lived in Sun Prairie. However, we do have lots of memories of your family when you lived here in Sturgeon Bay. We learned about your Mom's second marriage to a close friend after your father's death a few years before and are sorry that she had so little time to share with him. Life is unpredictable and we never know when our time on earth will end. I am glad that she had a few happy years after her retirement. My best memories of Marilyn were the years we shared in our prayer class at the United Methodist Church here in Sturgeon Bay. We pray that God's love and comfort will be with each of you as you face the weeks and months ahead.

    With our sincere sympathy,
    Dan and Julie Taylor

20. Norman & Mabel Watkins November 17, 2014, at 2:12pm

    Lori, Mark, Shaun & Heidi,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.

    Norm & Mabel Watkins

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