Marilyn Rose (Huckabay) Koelzer, 91, of Oskaloosa, formerly of Ozawkie/Meriden, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Rest Well Home Plus Assisted Living Center in Oskaloosa. She was born March 8, 1933 in Seneca, KS, the daughter of Frank and Nola Mathewson. She was married to Jack P. Huckabay on April 16, 1955. Jack preceded her in death on March 5, 2012. On May 30, 2015, she married David Koelzer, he survives.

She was a 1949 graduate of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School in Seneca. She then attended, and graduated in 1953, as a Registered Nurse from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Topeka, KS. Her 43 year career providing dedicated nursing care began at Hiawatha Community Hospital before moving to the Jefferson County Health Department. She then worked alongside Dr. Lumb, a rheumatologist in Topeka. Her true passion was always caring for her patients and providing compassionate support which led to her returning to Jefferson County Home Health and Hospice to finish her nursing career. Being a nurse came naturally to her because she had the biggest heart!

Beyond her career, Marilyn found immense pleasure in the simple things in life. She loved her children and enjoyed her grandkids and great-grandkids, going to activities to support and cheer them on, taking long walks, and time nurturing her garden! She enjoyed the card game of Bridge. You could find her gathered around a table of friends on a Saturday night, or joining several local Bridge groups during retirement. She was dedicated to volunteering at God's Storehouse in Meriden for many years.

Marilyn's family was her pride and joy. Survivors include loving daughters, Jan Wells, Meriden, KS, and Joleen Nocktonick, Denton, TX, devoted sons, Jay (Kathy Barbagallo) Huckabay, Blue Springs, MO, and Jeff (Tami Martin) Huckabay, Topeka, KS, two sisters, Donna (Jim) Stewart, Greenfield, IN, and Ruth (Bill) Gapske, Overland Park, KS, 11 grandchildren: Justin Huckabay, Jessica Card, Jamie Wells, Brian Wells, Taryn (Wyatt) Steenson, Payton (Samuel) Nobo, Riley (Ryan) Luna, Jayden (Daim) Povilauskaite, Logan Nocktonick, Avery Nocktonick, Haydn Nocktonick and nine great-grandchildren: Aly (Alyse) Huckabay, Joel Huckabay, Jocelyn Card, Andrew Card, Briley Wells, Brayden Webb, Camden Wells, Marianna Luna, and Melia Luna. She was preceded in death by three brothers: Gerald Mathewson, Kenneth Mathewson, and Max Mathewson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 15, 2025 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Meriden, with Parish Rosary at 10:00 AM and Visitation till 11:00 AM Service time. Cremation Care will follow services with inurnment at Horton City Cemetery, Horton, KS at a later date. Memorials suggested to Jefferson County Friends of Hospice or to God's Storehouse in Meriden, in care of the Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS, 66066.
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