Marilyn Yvonne Hansen Meyer

1930 - 2020

Marilyn Yvonne Hansen Meyer

Little Rock - Marilyn was born on June 15, 1930, in Little Rock, Arkansas, and died April 20, 2020, in Dallas, Texas, less than two months from celebrating her 90th birthday.

Throughout her life, 'Lyn's mission was to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, living her faith in daily prayer and service to others.

'Lyn grew up in Chicago and was devoted to her divorced, hardworking mother, Dorothy Riley, who worked multiple jobs to support the two of them and save money for 'Lyn's college education, which often meant placing 'Lyn in the care of other families. The experience instilled many skills in frugality she imposed on herself throughout her life. This discipline resulted in enormous generosity to others: family, friends, church, and charity.

'Lyn graduated cum laude from the University of Dubuque, where she studied home economics and voice. She was the president of the Home Economics Society for the State of Iowa and represented Iowa at their National Convention in Los Angeles. 'Lyn excelled in classical singing as a soprano and won a regional voice competition. As part of the University choir, she met her future husband and father of their children, Duane Gilbert Meyer, with whom she shared 64 years of marriage.

'Lyn and Duane were married in the Chapel at the University of Dubuque. After a brief honeymoon that included working on their respective undergraduate theses, they moved to Iowa City, where they both earned advanced degrees at the University of Iowa and started their family. They subsequently moved to Springfield, MO, where 'Lyn was a teacher, wife, and mother, as Duane pursued his career as a history professor, then dean and finally president at Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University). As the wife of the university president, 'Lyn was an elegant and tireless first lady hosting many dinners and banquets, leaving her personal touch in every endeavor and building strong friendships with the faculty, staff, and students. They were especially fond of international students, often hosting them at their home on holidays.

'Lyn was an active volunteer and philanthropist. She was particularly passionate about helping teenage girls who needed a home or shelter. To address this need, she co-founded the Regional Girls' Shelter in Springfield, MO, now a part of Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services. The Soroptimist Club awarded 'Lyn the "Women Helping Women" award for her work in this area. She was an active member of First and Calvary Presbyterian Church and served in numerous capacities including as a member of the session and Director of Education. She was also instrumental in starting a group for young adults. 'Lyn was a member of the Mayor's Commission on Human Rights that drafted and approved an ordinance prohibiting discrimination in any facet of real estate transactions in Springfield. She also co-founded the Springfield School Volunteers Program that focused on increasing reading skills for elementary students in the public school system.

'Lyn was a talented artist, writer, poet, and creative gardener. She illustrated the Heritage of Missouri book authored by Duane, painted a mural of the university campus at the president's residence, designed and painted a ceramic backsplash of native Missouri flowers, and left a legacy of handmade gifts for friends and family. 'Lyn enjoyed writing her family history and writing short stories too. She had a flair for poetry she used in correspondence or dinner toasts. The priority of her garden included an abundance of flowers 'Lyn cut for bouquets to deliver to hospitalized friends and shut-ins, or for table arrangements at home and other gatherings. She was diligent in corresponding with her friends and family, sending illustrated holiday letters, "thank you" notes, and, most importantly, Christmas and birthday "hugs" decorated with a beautiful hand-drawn butterfly or another subject. The family has fond memories of summer trips across the United States, to Europe, and New Zealand, several of which 'Lyn documented in handmade scrapbooks.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Duane Gilbert Meyer, her mother Dorothy Susan Riley, nee Sophia Kazmerchak, and her son-in-law, John Clayton Crouch, Sr. Four children survive her: Paul Meyer and his wife, Deborah, in Chappaqua, NY; Mark Meyer and his wife, Judiann, in Dallas, TX; Jim Meyer and his wife, Louisa, in Dallas, TX; and Andrea Crouch in Lookout Mountain, GA, in addition to nine grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

'Lyn's unconditional love and friendship will be missed. Plans are pending for a memorial service and interment at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas. Memorial donations may be made to Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services, Missouri Region, at https://giving.pchas.org/donate/.