Marianne Wakefield

Marianne Wakefield, age 91, of Centerville, IA, passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at MercyOne Hospital in Centerville. Marianne was born on May 19, 1933, in Mystic, IA, to Charles and Helen (Kalef) Jenkins. She grew up attending school and graduated as Valedictorian from Mystic High School with the class of 1950. She then attended Centerville Community College for a year. On August 2, 1951, she was united in marriage to Richard Wakefield at the Mystic Methodist Church, and to this union, 3 children, Cynthia, Thomas, and Barbara, were born. Marianne and Richard were blessed with 73 years of marriage prior to her passing. In her younger years, Marianne worked at Scott’s 5 and 10 store on Centerville Square. Following college, she went to work at the Iowa Finance Company for a year before she moved to Kansas as Richard was in the service. Upon moving to Ottumwa, she worked at the Ottumwa Schools for 8 years as a secretary and teacher’s aide. She later worked at Griffin Abstract Company before going to work for the Rathbun Fish Hatchery as a secretary and tour guide for 15 years until her retirement. Marianne was a current member of the Drake Christian Church in Centerville. She was a member of the Eastern Star in Mystic and later in Centerville. She enjoyed attending the Mystic School Alumni Banquets each year. She and Richard lived in several different places over the years and made many friends along the way. She enjoyed playing Bridge with her friends. She enjoyed cooking and having dinners and was known for her pepper steak, ham balls, and Texas sheet cake. She enjoyed traveling all over the country with Richard to Army Reunions, and especially enjoyed the Caribbean and Europe. Above all else, Marianne loved her family and cherished all the time spent with them. She was very proud of her children, their spouses, and grandchildren for the lives they live and their accomplishments. Marianne is survived by her husband, Richard; 3 children, Cindy (Mike) Rovner, Tom (Rhonda) Wakefield, and Barb (Joe) Owca; 3 grandchildren, Allison Rovner, Rebecca (Brett) Rosenthal Rovner, and Lucas Wakefield; and 3 great grandchildren, Olivia Rosenthal, Violet Rosenthal, and Brooks Wakefield. Marianne is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Helen Jenkins; her grandparents, William and Agnes Jenkins; and a sister, Beverly. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 26, 2024, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Marianne’s family present to greet family and friends. Visitation will also be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at the Drake Avenue Christian Church in Centerville, IA. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at the Drake Avenue Christian Church in Centerville, with Pastor Gary Brooks officiating. Burial will follow services at Highland Cemetery in Mystic, IA. A memorial has been established to Highland Cemetery in Mystic, IA.

Marianne Wakefield

May 19, 1933 - August 22, 2024