Marilyn Deyone Ellis, of Topeka, 69, passed away at home in the earliest hours of February 12, 2024, surrounded by her family. Marilyn was born August 6, 1954 in Hot Springs, Arkansas to Billy and Marcy (Singleton) Briney. She was the eldest of four children: a sister, Debbie, and brothers, Rick and Phillip. The family moved to Dodge City in 1965, and joined the Dodge City Church of the Nazarene. Both the town and church were the nexus for the rich relationships that Marilyn sustained throughout her life. She raised her three beloved children in the Dodge City area as well; Chad, Ryan, and Melanie.

It was at the Nazarene church that Marilyn met Darreld Ellis, as his family also moved to town in 1965. Their families formed a close friendship and the two preteens spent two and a half years forming a life-long bond. They stayed in touch over the years, and when Darreld moved back to Dodge City in 1975, briefly dated. Life took them in separate directions until 1997, when the stars finally aligned to bring them back together. After nine months of long distance dating, they married and Marilyn moved to Topeka with him. Whenever Marilyn said it was time to take a drive to Dodge City, they went.

Over the years, Marilyn held many jobs: Mickey's Drive-In, Dairy Queen, a grocery cashier, bank teller, and farm wife. After earning a Practical Nursing Degree in 1989 from Dodge City Community College, and licensed as a Registered Nurse, she found her true calling as a NICU and Labor & Delivery nurse at Dodge City's Western Plains Medical Complex. Marilyn's excellent care undoubtedly made a difficult time for NICU infants and their families exponentially better. In addition to her work in the hospital, she spent many years teaching Lamaze classes and as a lactation consultant. Some of the greatest honors of her life were attending the births of her grandchildren and great grandchild. She continued her nursing career in Topeka until her retirement in 2012.

Marilyn's generosity extended beyond her nursing career; she approached everyone with an open heart and was known as an ultimate caretaker, dear friend, and enthusiastic cheerleader. She loved her family the most and they knew it; by always fixing their favorite meal or treat, lending an ear, and showing up whenever she was needed. You would often find her on long phone calls with family, crafting a heartfelt memento, or curating the perfect care package for a grandchild.

Marilyn and Darreld took many trips to Dodge City, Chicago, and Arkansas together to see family. Many of those trips were completed in Darreld's red Alfa Romeo convertible, which also took them to car club events where they gained lasting friendships. Upon Darreld's retirement they made a couple of monumental trips; a river cruise in Holland and Belgium, and a tour of castles and vintage car collections in England and Scotland. Through the years, Marilyn collected a cadre of friends from work, bunco, church, and neighbors, as her warmth and positivity were irresistible.

After graduating from Dodge City High School in 1972, she married Mark Carter in 1973, who tragically died in a truck accident months later. In 1977, Marilyn married Steve Askew with whom she had her three children. The family lived on a farm outside of Dodge City, raising cattle, participating in 4-H, and attending DC Church of the Nazarene. They divorced in 1995.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Darreld; her son, Chad Askew and wife Tiffanie; son, Ryan Askew and his partner Heather Meyers; daughter, Melanie Askew and husband Brian Meyers; and step-daughter, Nicole Ellis Semple and husband Don Semple; grandchildren, Tyler, Alexus, Hannah, Ivy, Destiny, and Henry; one great grandson, Feenyx; her mother, Marcy Briney Sanders; and siblings Debbie Burnett and Rick Briney. She was preceded in death by her brother Phillip Briney and father Bill Briney.

Marilyn's family acknowledges the caring medical organizations and dedicated caregivers who traveled this journey with us: Within the Stormont Vail Health System:  Cotton O'Neil Cancer Center; particularly Dr. Brandon Weckbaugh and staff, Cotton O'Neil Palliative Care; particularly Dr. Brandy Ficek and staff, Cotton O'Neil Urology; particularly Dr. Loren Smith and staff; Also, Midland Care Hospice Services; particularly nurses Alaina Roberts and Megan Callahan; and home health aide Cassandra Joynt

Funeral service will be held at Dodge City Church of the Nazarene on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 10:30 AM with her brother-in-law Dan Duerfeldt and Pastor Jeff Hiers presiding.  Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Dodge City on Monday, February 19, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00PM. Memorial donations can be made to the Stormont Vail Foundation - designated to the Palliative Medicine Department in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.