Marilyn Patricia Bates

Marilyn Patricia Bates, 96, passed away on May 8, 2025. Marilyn was born on October 14, 1928 to John and Austa (Kimball) Goeller in Fairbank, Iowa. She graduated from Dunkerton High School and then from the University of Northern Iowa. She moved to Des Moines in 1953 and worked as a kindergarten teacher and later in the banking industry for Brenton Bank. She retired in 1993.

Marilyn enjoyed her retirement by spending winters in Apache Junction, AZ in her RV with her husband, Bob. Spending time with her family and friends including the company of fellow walkers at Merle Hay Mall. She loved music and singing and would often play the piano. There was always a song in her heart.

Marilyn is survived by her son, Bob (Alyce) Burnett; daughter-in-law, Judi (Craig) Burnett; sister-in-law, Linda Burnett; grandchildren, Rebecca (Jason) Rothmeyer, Rob (Alyssa) Burnett, Nic (Kiley) Burnett, and Rudy (Marilyn) Palomino; great-grandchildren, Kendall and Kylie Rothmeyer, Claire and Theo Burnett, Julian and Nathan Palomino; numerous nephews, nieces, step-nephews, step-nieces, two stepdaughters, and four step-grandchildren.

Marilyn was proceeded in death by her husband, Robert Bates; her first husband, Norman Burnett; her son, Craig Burnett; her parents, John and Austa (Kimball) Goeller; brother, Wendell (Norma) Goeller; sister, Eileen (Rus) Goeller; and five nephews.

A Celebration of Life for Marilyn will take place at Immanuel United Methodist Church, 2900 49th Street in Des Moines, Iowa at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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