Marilyn Alice Allington

CROFTON-Marilyn Alice Allington, 93, of Crofton, formerly of Fullerton, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, SD.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Palmer-Santin Funeral Home in Fullerton. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow service at Fullerton Cemetery in Fullerton. Palmer-Santin Funeral Home is serving the family.

Marilyn was born November 17, 1931, at the family home in Fullerton, NE, to Walter and Pearl (Boardman) Roark. She was baptized in the Fullerton United Methodist Church and attended Liberty Knoll District #16 Elementary School. Her future husband, Billie 'Bill' Allington, famously gave her horseback rides home from school. Marilyn graduated from Fullerton High School in 1949.

On November 18, 1950, Marilyn married her high school sweetheart at the Fullerton United Methodist Church. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised three children. Their journey took them through Fullerton, Columbus, Albion, and Crofton.

After high school, Marilyn began her career with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, proudly serving as a telephone operator. She worked many shifts in the back room on the second floor of the First National Bank building, answering calls with her signature greeting: "Number, please!"

While living in Albion, she worked as a secretary for Attorney Bud Watson. Later, in Columbus, she joined Kmart when it first opened in July 1975 and remained there until her retirement in 1993.

Marilyn lived a full and joyful life. She traveled to Europe, participated in Corvette Club rallies in Spearfish, SD, and spent winters in Mission, TX. Her retirement home at Lewis & Clark Lake in Walker Valley, Crofton, NE, was a dream come true and a place where their vibrant social circle felt like a small town of family and friends.

She was known for her famous potato salad and was always ready to make a second batch without onions for those who preferred it that way. Marilyn loved dancing, tapping her toes to tunes from the Molly B Polka Party, Betty Grable movies, and grocery lists that stretched for miles. She and Bill were always the first to arrive at the hospital when a new grandchild was born, saying it felt like being part of the delivery. Her greatest joy was her family. Whether it was giving the warmest hugs, making sure guests had enough blankets, or simply being present, Marilyn's love was abundant and unconditional.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 74 years, Bill; her children, Karen (Bob) Borgheiinck, Douglas (Sandi) Allington, and Debra (Joe) Bennett; sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Gary Kenyon; grandchildren, Lori (Borgheiinck) Brewer, Ryan (Kara Thompson) Borgheiinck, Kristy (Kevin) Essink, Chris (Kendra) Allington, Ben (Meagan Stowell) Allington, and Blake (Sadie Korich) Allington; great-grandchildren, Hailey (Jordan) Bentley, Riley Brewer, Kelsi Goebel, Nolan Forbes, Ryker Borgheiinck, Eagen Essink, Corbin Essink, Delilah Allington, Aspen Allington, Jade Allington, and Josh Allington; and great-great- grandchild, Amelia Bentley. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Pearl Roark; in-laws, Glenn and Bessie Allington; sister, Evelyn Troshynski; and nephew, Steven McCray.

Her legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Memorials are suggested to Fullerton Cemetery Association or Crofton Volunteer Fire & Rescue.