Marilyn Eleanor Zinn, 71, of Holton, KS, passed away Monday, February 10, 2020 at St. Francis Medical Center in Topeka, KS. Marilyn was born on June 23, 1948 in Quincy, Massachusetts the daughter of Frank G. and Eleanor M. (Allen) Kish. She lived in several cities on and around the east coast before settling in Kansas.

Her life-long love of learning strongly influenced her dedication to the education and welfare of children in her communities. She earned a degree in english literature from Eastern Nazarene College, which led to a job as a children’s librarian in Annapolis, Maryland. Later in life, she returned to school, earning an undergraduate degree from Washburn University and a masters in early childhood education from Kansas State University. Marilyn applied this knowledge for many years working for the NEK-CAP Head Start program until her retirement. Since then, she has been active in the foster grandparent program, working with several classrooms in Holton Elementary School.

Marilyn received great joy from the natural world, specifically caring for animals. Rarely was she without an animal companion, often taking in multiple pets at a time.

She is survived by her son, Chad Zinn (Nicole Hansen) of Aurora, IL; 3 sisters, Judith Haskell (Verne) of Lillington, NC, Karen Curtis (David) of Lake Havasu, AZ and Resolute Michaels (Douglas Anderson) of Pacific, WA; four honorary grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and her loyal dog Fenway.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton on Friday, February 21, 2020 where the family will greet friends from 5 - 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NEK-CAP or specifically to its Head Start program in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.