Marilyn Stagner

Marilyn Stagner, 79, died Saturday, July 5, 2014 at Asbury Park in Newton, Kansas from complications of Parkinson’s disease.  She was born May 22, 1935 in Newton, Kansas the youngest child of Tom and Anne Davis.  She attended St. Mary’s Grade School and was a graduate of Newton High School.  Marilyn was a lifelong resident of Newton.  On October 12, 1972 Marilyn married Lloyd Stagner and they enjoyed 35 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on January 18, 2008.  Marilyn worked for Santa Fe Railroad for 38 years.  She began her career while in junior high school as a second shift switchboard operator and worked various positions over the years, including agencies throughout the former middle division.  She traveled extensively with friends and family visiting Europe, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, and every state in the US.  She and Lloyd also traveled across the US to attend numerous rail and steam events.  Marilyn was an avid bowler and golfer and she even worked the WPGA tournament in Hutchinson.  She loved to play cards and games and loved to get together with her card group.  She was always up for a game with the kids and would save toys to hand out as prizes.  Marilyn was also a savvy gambler and loved to make trips to Las Vegas, Laughlin and state casinos.  Marilyn was a great step mom, sister, and aunt and we will miss her terribly.  The family would like to give special thanks to Asbury Park Greenhouse 405 for their love and devotion these past three years.

Marilyn is survived by her sister Virginia and John Kass of Las Vegas, NV; 3 step children: Jane Summer of South Paris, ME; Murray and Lana Stagner of Grapevine, TX; and Matthew Stagner and Lisa Lombard of Oak Park, IL. 8 nieces and nephews: Tom Davis of San Diego, CA, Anna Lizzarraga of San Diego, CA, Laura Davis of San Diego, CA, John Davis of San Diego, CA, Deborah Brown of Kansas City, MO, Cynthia Nusbaum of Lubbock, TX, Patricia Kass of Topeka, KS and Pamela Hock of Gilbert, AZ; 3 step granddaughters and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and one brother Jim Davis.

A service of celebration for Marilyn’s life will be 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 10, 2014 at Asbury Park “Greenhouse 405” 405 SW 12^th in Newton with Chaplain Jay Anderson presiding. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Private family interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Newton. 

Memorials are suggested to Asbury Park or St. Mary’s Catholic Church in care of Petersen Funeral Home.