Marilyn Graham, 91, Glenwood
March 11, 1920 - January 5, 2012
Marilyn (Lugsch) Graham, 91, of Glenwood, passed away at her home surrounded by her family Jan. 5, 2012. Services were held Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012, at Peterson Mortuary in Glenwood. Rev. Darrell Hopp officiated. Music was provided by Arlene Sparks, soloist, and Mark C. Jones, organist. Casket bearers were Mark Konfrst, Brian Konfrst, Tim Konfrst, Forrest Mayberry, Don Filkins, and Mark Lincoln. Honorary pallbearers included the Class of 1948 and their spouses, to whom Marilyn was their faculty sponsor, and Hazel Street neighbors Jerry and Harold Kaiman, Don Bruce, Tim Mayberry and Alan Wilson.
Interment was at Glenwood Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the Glenwood Senior Center. Memorials may be made to the Glenwood Public Library, Glenwood Fire and Rescue or Glenwood Senior Center.
Marilyn was born March 11, 1920, in Glenwood, to William and Virgie Ellen (Johnson) Lugsch. Her first years were spent accompanying her parents downtown daily where they ran Lugsch Cleaners on Walnut Street, playing in the sandbox her father built in the basement next to the coal bin. Guided by her parents, and the watchful eyes of the business proprietors around the Square, she was imbued with the work ethic and community values which she embodied throughout her life. Marilyn graduated valedictorian from Glenwood High School in 1937 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Education from Iowa State University in 1941. She taught in the Glenwood School System and later became a vocational educator at the Glenwood State Hospital School.
Marilyn was united in marriage to Robert L. Graham Aug. 12, 1944, in Little Rock, Ark. To this union three children were born, Kathi, Arlene and Robert, Jr. Marilyn was a faithful member, Sunday school superintendent and vacation bible school coordinator at the First Baptist Church. She was also leader of local Girl Scout Troop No. 133, Nishnabotna Girl Scout Council representative, active PTA member, room mother and band parent officer. Traveling with the Heritage Club and playing bridge also gave Marilyn much enjoyment. Her favorite holiday was Christmas when she would share this joyous time with her family. As a member of the “Special” Class of 1937, she was one of the founders of Glenwood’s Homecoming and thus looked forward to celebrating the community’s homecoming weekend annually with friends, classmates and former students. Marilyn was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all who knew and cared for her.
Preceding Marilyn in death were her parents, husband and brother. She is survived by her children, Kathi Overbay of Glen Allen, Va.; Arlene Sparks of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; Robert L. Graham, Jr. of Cambridge, Mass.; three grandchildren, Ashley Overbay of Nashville, Tenn.; Matthew Overbay of New York, N.Y. and Andrew Sparks of Appleton, Wis.; nephew, Bill Lugsch of Golden, Colo.; devoted cousins, Susie and Pete Swihart of Glenwood; extended relatives and many friends and former students.