Marlys Jean Wilkinson

1929 - 2026

Marlys Jean (Carter) Wilkinson, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother passed away peacefully from natural causes on February 20, 2026, in Lenexa, KS. She was 96 years old.

Born on August 26, 1929, in Benton, Wisconsin, Marlys was the cherished daughter of Margaret and Fremont Carter. She spent her early years in Benton, where she developed a love for art. On September 7, 1946 Marlys married the love of her life, Thomas J Wilkinson. Marlys devoted her life to her family as a homemaker and mother, roles in which she took immense pride. In addition to raising her five children, she worked as an artist and decorator at Ceramic Arts Studio in Madison, WI while husband Tom attended the University.



Her interests were many and varied; she thrived on spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, volunteering in the kitchen at her church, gardening, painting, knitting, traveling, cheering for the Chicago Cubs and later the Kansas City Chiefs, cooking and baking. Her culinary skills and warm hospitality will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of enjoying a meal at her table.

A faithful member of Riverside United Methodist Church, Marlys was actively involved in the United Women in Faith (UWF) and PEO Organizations. Marlys shared both her faith and artistic talent with her knitted contributions to the prayer shawl ministry, as well as knitting hats and scarves for children and homeless individuals. In recognition of her artistic abilities, she was honored as "Artist in Residence" at Silvercrest Senior Living.

Marlys was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 69 years, Thomas J. Wilkinson; her cherished son, John Wilkinson; her devoted grandson, Charlie Stevens; her dear parents, Margaret and Fremont Carter; and sister, Laurel Hamacher. She leaves behind a loving family to honor her memory: daughters Laurie (Bill) Zelnio, Lynn Kingman, and Jane (Charles) Stevens; son Fred Wilkinson: daughter-in-law Noel Wilkinson; grandchildren Stephanie (Brenden) Buhl, Elizabeth (Bret) Bandur, Robert Dorr, Daniel (Megan) Dorr, Claire Blevins (Adam Milliken), Kathryn Spears, Steven (Taylor) Zelnio, Madison (Sam) Swartzman; and great-grandchildren Noah, Hudson, Lilah, Haley, Donovan, Emma, Carter, Beckett, and brother Richard Carter.

Private family services will be held at a later date in Benton, WI. Memorial contributions may be made to UWF Riverside United Methodist Church in Moline, IL, or your local NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) organization.