Marilyn Joy DeRoos

Marilyn Joy DeRoos, age 92, sings in a heavenly choir today. She passed from her earthly home on March 9, 2026.

Marilyn was born in Eddyville, Iowa on December 3,1933 to Reverend Henry and Harriet (Dykshorn) Franken. She married Gelvin (Gil) DeRoos on September 4, 1953, and together they raised three children. Marilyn and Gil were the love of each other's lives, with Gil telling her every day "you are beautiful". Marilyn was not only beautiful in her physical appearance, but even more beautiful in her spirit. She embraced the love of Christ, and His presence was evident throughout her life. Marilyn always spoke gently, encouragingly, and lovingly to others - traits she will be remembered for.

After being a stay-at-home mother for sixteen years she finished her undergraduate education at Mankato State University with a degree in Elementary Education and taught kindergarten in the Albert Lea, Minnesota School District. After Marilyn and Gil moved to Des Moines, Iowa in 1979, she went back to school and received a Master's Degree in Special Education from Drake University. After completing her degree, she was employed by the Des Moines School District, teaching in the special education resource program for four years and the Home Instruction Assistance program for six years. She was a much-loved teacher, showing compassion and care for those with special learning needs and encouraging the many families she worked with that were home educators.

Marilyn was an active member of Meredith Drive Reformed Church. She led the women's ministry for several years, facilitated the Grief and Loss class, led many outreach and educational programs, and participated throughout her life in group Bible studies. Marilyn taught, served, mentored and impacted the lives she touched. Marilyn never passed up an opportunity to serve as a hostess and was known to set one of the most beautiful tables one could imagine. She loved music, had a beautiful voice, and sang in the church choir and other musical groups for over 50 years.

While Marilyn was content to be at home, she never turned down the offer of adventure; uncommon for a person who grew up with the economic constraints of the Great Depression. She never passed up an opportunity to try something new and different, be it a new board game, a trip to exotic places both near and far, and even jumping on a trampoline with her kindergarten students. She travelled extensively with Gil, her extended family, her children, and a travel group of friends that affectionately called themselves the "Nashville Seven". These travels allowed her to bike along canals in the Netherlands, walk the streets of Pompeii, dip her toes in the Black Sea, see the glaciers of Alaska, do beach yoga on Sanibel Island, enjoy sunshine and grandchild sporting events in Southern California, hike the mountains of Arizona, and see a total eclipse of the sun in Arkansas - but a small sampling of her many travel adventures.

Marilyn instilled a "can do" attitude in her children, teaching them to reach for the stars. She encouraged them when they were down, mended their cuts and bruises when they were hurt, taught them to laugh at Gil's "dad jokes", and importantly taught through her example how to be a Christ follower.

She is lovingly remembered by family, especially grandchildren, for the themed photo albums she curated every year during their childhood, passing along the importance of making and keeping memories. She travelled often to watch grandchildren participate in high school and collegiate sporting events in Southern California, to baseball games, dance recitals and drama competitions in West Virginia, and spending time locally with her grandsons by taking walks in a park, watching movies, and spending time enjoying an ice cream with them at Culver's! She's been to more baptisms, graduations, weddings and family celebrations than can be counted.

She is lovingly remembered by longtime friends for welcoming them to her home and table for Bible study, games of bridge, and many rounds of golf.

She is remembered by newcomers, whether at church, or in the community, such as those displaced by Hurricane Katrina, as a welcoming force.

She is remembered by those arriving from other nations, helping especially women and children, make a new home and learn to provide for their families.

She is remembered by students from her long participation as a volunteer reading mentor in the public elementary schools.

She is remembered as a caring and compassionate Stephen minister.

She spent much time compiling and annotating family history into booklets and treasured her Dutch heritage.

Marilyn was always seeking beauty: in nature, in art, in architecture, in music, in people.

Marilyn is survived by her three children: daughter, Brenda (Jim) Hartje of Ankeny, IA; son, Bradley (Elizabeth) DeRoos of Fairmont, WV; son, Gary (Teresa) of Huntington Beach, CA; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, and her sister, Carol Mapes of Pella, IA. Preceding her in death were her husband, Gil; a grandchild, Ethan Hartje, and three brothers, Darrell, David, and Robert Franken.

Family and friends are grateful to Kennybrook Village in Grimes, Iowa and Suncrest Hospice for the care and compassion they showed to Marilyn for the last eight months of her life. With their support, she was able to exit life on Earth with grace and dignity.

Visitation will be at Iles Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, Iowa, on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at The Bridge, 10025 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, Iowa. The interment will take place on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Joshua Christian Academy, 1740 Garfield Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50316, a school that Marilyn held near and dear.

The service will be livestreamed. A link will be published soon on Marilyn's obituary page at www.IlesCares.com, where you may also leave online condolences.