MARILYN SUE COATS

LAMAR- Marilyn Sue Coats passed away on March 14, 2019, at her home. Marilyn was born October 20, 1927, to Owen B. Nichols and Elizabeth Nichols in Columbia, Missouri.

Marilyn was very friendly and enjoyed being around people. She was a hard worker and was always dependable. Marilyn was a beautiful person on the outside and, most importancetly, on the inside.

June 15, 1947, began Marilyn’s greatest and longest adventure; for it was on that day that she married Leon Coats. They were married 71 ½ years. During that time, Marilyn helped Leon build a house (without power tools), raise 3 children (with power tools), and run a successful business. Perhaps the most unique part of her marriage to Leon was her role as “comic sidekick”. What Ed McMahon was to Johnny Carson, Marilyn was to Leon.

In 1966, Marilyn and Leon moved from Missouri to Tucumcari, New Mexico to open a Tastee Freez on Old Highway 66. For eight years, Marilyn was a gracious hostess to all the Tastee Freez customers. Marilyn and Leon moved to Lamar in 1974. She worked for the CPWSD #1 for many years, where she served customers with courtesy and diligence. Leon and Marilyn attended the Iantha United Methodist Church until they were physically unable to attend. Marilyn was a member of the U.M.W.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Leon Coats, and their son, Steven Owen. Marilyn is survived by her daughters: Linda Coats and Libby Peabody (Jim); 5 grandsons, Jeremy Miller (Renee), Josh Miller (Amanda), Phil Peabody (Shayna), Tim Peabody (Stephanie), and Mark Peabody (Kelsi); 12 great grandchildren; one sister, Janet Potts (David), and 2 nephews Dr. Michael Potts (Janelle) and Gregory Potts (Helen).

Marilyn never sought the spotlight, or attempted to attract attention to herself, but her beautiful smile and spirit captured hearts. She will be missed by her loving family and friends and will be fondly remembered by the many people she influenced.

The family will have a celebration of both Marilyn and Leon Coats in Columbia, Missouri on March 23, 2019 at Bethel Church at 10:30 a.m.

Online condolences may be left at www.konantzwarden.com.