ELLINWOOD — Marilyn Jo Bell Birzer, age 67, died on Friday, June 1, 2018 due to congestive heart failure linked to previous chemotherapy treatment. At the time of death Marilyn resided in Pratt, Kan. with her husband of 49 years, Joe Birzer.
Marilyn was born in Denton, Texas in 1950, daughter of Velva Shipman Bell and Joe Bell. Marilyn grew up along the gulf coast of Texas and Louisiana. She graduated from W. F. George H.S. in Iowa Park, Texas in 1967. She moved to Kansas after marriage to Joe in 1969.
She is survived by her husband, Joe; and two children, Corrinne and Jeremy (spouse Sandra); and three grandchildren, Brennan, Tavo, and Karsen.
Marilyn selflessly dedicated her life not only to her own family, but to children with special needs. Marilyn acquired a high level of education with two bachelors and two masters degrees in special education, elementary education, child psychology, and counseling. Marilyn retired in 2012.
There will be a visitation from 1 to 6 p.m. on June 30, 2018 at Minnis Chapel with the family in attendance from 4-6 p.m. The Memorial Service will take place at 2 p.m. on July 1, 2018 at the United Methodist Church with Pastor Tom Reazin officiating. A reception will be held immediately after at the Ellinwood Heritage Center. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorial donations in honor of Marilyn’s life work to Heartspring, a leader and innovator in creating hope and opportunity for children with special needs and their families, or to Sts. Peter and Paul Heritage Association (Ellinwod) in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Chapel
P.O. Box 246
Ellinwood, KS 67526
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, June 12, 2018