Marlys H. Keith

Marlys Keith, 96, of Reinbeck, Iowa, passed away on September 30, 2025, leaving all who knew her with wonderful memories.

Born on the family farm near Voorhies, Iowa, to Charles and Bertha Mumm, Marlys grew up with strong roots in faith, family, and hard work. She attended country school, graduated from Reinbeck High School in 1947, and married James (Jim) Keith the following year. Together, they raised their seven children and worked side by side on the farm. In later years, Marlys also worked at the Reinbeck Elementary School and at the Pioneer Hi-Bred plant in Reinbeck.

Marlys lived her life with quiet grace. Though she never wanted too many nice things said about her, her family and friends remember her best for the love she gave, the meals she shared, the quilts she stitched, the cookies she baked, the books she read, and the games she played. She never missed an opportunity to attend a sporting event, and her home was always open; her heart was always welcoming. She will be deeply missed, but we take comfort knowing she is now home with God and forever in our hearts.

Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She left a legacy of love. She is survived by her children: Sandy and Robert Fox (Clovis, California), Susan Keith (Falls Church, Virginia), Rick and Dee Keith (Storm Lake, Iowa), Dick and Diane Keith (Reinbeck, Iowa), Ray and Beth Keith (Clovis, California), Sharon and Karen Keith-Zamora (Tiffin, Iowa), and Sara Weissenfluh (Reinbeck, Iowa). She is also survived by her sister, Charlene Begley; two brothers, Wilbur and Garry Mumm; and her sister-in-law, Dorothy Keith; 20 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Marlys was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 49 years, Jim Keith, five brothers (Leonard, Kenneth, Richard, John (Bud), and Raymond Mumm), her sister, LaVonne Kerr, her daughter-in-law, Kathy, her son-in-law, Tom, and her great-grandchild, Teddy Wulf.

Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Reinbeck. A visitation will take place on Friday, October 24, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The celebration of life will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 10:30 a.m., with lunch served at the Reinbeck Memorial Building following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Reinbeck Library or the Reinbeck Fire Department in memory of Marlys.