Marilyn Mae Woods

Marilyn Mae Johnston Woods passed away July 23, 2026 in her home in Louisiana Missouri with her daughter by her side. Marilyn was born on July 31, 1957 in Hannibal Missouri to William (Dick) Ralph Johnston and Ruby Duckworth Johnston. Marilyn was proceeded in death by her parents Dick and Ruby Johnston, sister Tina Johnston, brother in law Kenneth Woods, and both patents in law Bob (Marian) Woods, husband David Woods, and one grandchild that no one ever got to meet. Surviving family; brother William (Sue) Johnston of Pittsfield IL, brother Pete (Karen) Johnston of New Canton IL, sister Betty Knight (Chris, Taylor, and Kodi) all of Halliday ND, sister in law Donna Woods of Louisiana MO, daughter Whittney (Kris) Lee of O'Fallon MO, many nieces and nephews, and a special "grandson" (Whittney's client) Derrick D-Man of Lake Saint Louis. Marilyn attended Pleasant Hill School K-12th grade during those times she played softball in her High School years. After graduation she got into mud wrestling and soon became one of the best. She worked at the Shoe Factory and then started her career at Dundee while working there she drove a CAT truck and used a crusher to make the concrete mix. She would later on in life think that working at Dundee is the reason she got breast cancer in 2010. Marilyn married David Woods on December 30, 1988. Their daughter was their flower girl and the were married for 38 years and together over 45 years. Marilyn had a great work ethic, but she knew how to have a good time as well. She loved people and partying with her friends. Marilyn was always the life of the party wherever she went. She and her husband (David Woods) joined the Elks Lodge in late 1990s where the both of them volunteered many hours to the fish fries, chicken barbecues, and frying chicken every Friday night. Marilyn enjoyed being in Elkette and attending the conventions every year. She was a one of a kind person and friend. She would give you the shirt off her back to anyone that needed it. In 2010 she was diagnosed with breast cancer leading to a double mastectomy. Years later she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She then had to have a lobe removed from her lung. Even through all of this she stayed positive. She got to watch her only daughter (Whittney Lee) get married to her now son in law (Kris Lee) on September 15th 2012. She even got to go on a cruise with her sister (Betty Knight) and they had a wonderful time together. Marilyn would then visit Betty in North Dakota a few times before her death. She always had a smile and a hug for her friends and family. After losing her husband on April 30, 2026 she found out that her cancer had spread all over her body. Marilyn stayed strong and positive. She had an early birthday party on June 27, 2026. She had over 100 people come see her and wish her well at her party. For all of you that showed up just know you were her true friends. Some sent cards or could not attend, but sent her their well wishes all the same. Marilyn continued her positivity to the very end of her life. I'd like to thank those that helped her and me in her final months; Melanie Nordquist, Sharon Runser, Betty Knight, Kris Lee, Alicia Smith, and Jason Matthew. Without all of your support she would not have had such a great last month. We have to thank Community Loving Care Hospice. Vickie and Michelle thank you for taking such good care of both my David and Marilyn in their final days. Your love and support are worth more than words could say. In lieu of flowers I ask for donations to be made to community Loving Care Hospice in Marilyn's name. Marilyn will be missed by everyone she loved and the ones that loved her. Live like Marilyn and stay positive even when it seems all hope is lost. Marilyn's motto: Negative in negative wins but positive out there's no doubt

Marilyn Mae Woods

July 31, 1957 - July 23, 2026