Marilyn Hope (nee Benton) Avis of Warrenton passed away on Monday, Oct. 24, 2022 at home, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 93. Marilyn was born on Jan. 24, 1929, in North Hollywood, CA, the oldest daughter of Russell Ralph and Dorothy (nee Schmorleitz) Benton. She was united in marriage to Homer Lee Avis on Nov. 23, 1947 at Friedens United Church of Christ in Warrenton.
In 1936, her family moved from North Hollywood to Overland, MO, where she attended grade school at Home Heights School in Overland. In 1941, the Bentons moved to the family farm on Truxton Road, north of Warrenton. She and her sister, Norma, finished grade school at Shelton School, north of Warrenton. Shelton School was a one-room school-house, and since she and Norma were 16 months apart in age, they were placed in the same grade. They attended Warrenton High School, where they both graduated in the class of 1947.
Marilyn loved and excelled in vocal music and in dance. At an early age, her father taught her and her sister to play the violin and to tap dance. She played the baritone horn in the Warrenton High School Band, and in her senior year, she and Norma gave dancing lessons to the public for ballet, soft shoe and tap dance in the Yocum Building in downtown Warrenton. Her greatest passion, however, was vocal music. She was a four-year member of the Warrenton High School Choir, and in her junior year, she was part of the Warrenton High School Girls Trio that received a first at State and a first at National competition.
In 1946, she met the love of her life, Homer, after he returned from serving in the U.S. Army in Europe. They were married on the one-year anniversary of their first date. She was an excellent seamstress and cook. While raising her family, Marilyn continued to do the things she loved; singing and directing choirs and singing at special church services, at funerals and at weddings. Anyone who attended a Christmas Eve Candlelight service at Friedens United Church of Christ over the many years where she sang “Oh Holy Night,” knows what a wonderful performance it was, and how her beautiful voice made the Christmas season special.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Homer; her parents, Russell and Dorothy Benton; her sister, Norma Faye; and brother-in-law, Robert McCollum. She is survived by her four children, Marilee (John) Barry, Homer Benton (Becky) Avis, David Alan (Phyllis) Avis and Alvin Dale (Julie) Avis; one sister-in-law, Bernadine Cope; and many nieces and nephews. She was honored to be called “Mo” by her 14 loving grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.
A visitation for Marilyn Avis will be held on Sunday, Nov. 6 from 4-8 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Warrenton. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. at Friedens United Church of Christ. A graveside service will follow at the Warrenton City Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to Friedens Church c/o Martin Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.martinfuneral.net.
