Marilyn J. Habluetzel, 86, of Clay Center passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at the Clay Center Presbyterian Manor. She was born on April 2, 1937, the daughter of Francis and Twila (Todd) Avery, on the family farm in the Hayes Township.
She attended a small country school the first 2 years, being the only student in her grade. She then attended schools in Green, Kansas and graduated from Green High School. Marilyn met her husband, Howard Habluetzel, Jr. at a church youth group gathering and they were married on September 4, 1955.
She was very active at church, always there to help with dinners, programs and Bible School. Marilyn was a involved in the UMW and EHU women’s clubs at church and played piano or organ, starting at age 13 at the Hayes Church and then the Green and Morganville churches, playing into her 80’s. She also played for church services at Apollo Towers. Many of her lifetime friends were met at these churches. She also played for the Clay Center Elks Club and was presented with the Elks Lady Of The Year award.
Marilyn worked at the Soil Conservation Office until starting a family and then assisted with the family business, Clay Center Dehydrating. She also worked at the Clay Center Presbyterian Manor, Cedar Court Motel and cleaned homes for many people. She was a member of the Clay Center United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard; sons, Danny and Terry; brother, Ralph Avery; sisters, Ellen Paulson and Nelda Siebold and daughter in-law, Gail Habluetzel.
Marilyn is survived by her sons, Jerry and wife, Cindy of Clay Center and Donny and wife, Michelle of Wichita; 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 4-7PM, Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at the Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home in Clay Center, Kansas. The family will greet friends from 4-6PM.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30AM, Thursday, October 5, 2023 at the Clay Center United Methodist Church.
Interment will be in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Clay County, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Clay Center United Methodist Church and can be sent in care of the funeral home.
