Hepker, Marilyn J. Reiss

Marilyn J. Reiss Hepker, 81, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, at West Village Care Center in Independence, surrounded by her family. Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the Urbana Christian Church with the Rev. Melanie Van Welden officiating. Interment will be held at the Urbana Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, 212 E. Sixth St., Vinton. Following visitation, her body will be cremated according to her wishes.

A memorial fund has been established to be used at the Urbana Christian Church.

Marilyn was born Oct. 26, 1931, in Garrison, the daughter of Leland and Effie (Welch) Reiss and graduated from the Urbana High School with the class of 1950. Following graduation, she attended Cosmetology College in Cedar Rapids.

On March 11, 1951, Marilyn was united in marriage to William Lloyd Hepker at the Urbana Christian Church. She operated Marilyn's Beauty Salon out of her home for many years. Marilyn was employed as a cook for many years at the Urbana Community School and later at Urbana/Center Point Middle School as head cook. She was known for her good home cooking. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Marilyn was a member of the Urbana Christian Church, where she held many offices and enjoyed membership in the C.W.F. She had a deep unwavering faith in the Lord.

Marilyn and Lloyd enjoyed membership in their card club and the many trips they took through the years. She was also a member of the Urbana American Legion Auxiliary and the Urbana Fire Department Auxiliary.

Marilyn is survived by two sons, Martin (Pam) Hepker and Scott (Mary) Hepker, all of Urbana; five grandchildren, Amy Hepker of Cedar Rapids, Andrew (Jill) Hepker of Mount Vernon, Charles Hepker of Urbana, Meghan Hepker of West Des Moines and Matthew Hepker of Urbana; five great-grandchildren, Haley, Bryce, Lauren, Ryan and Gabriel Hepker; her sister, Delores (Jim) Bruce of Moravia; many nieces and nephews; and her special friend, Diana McCardle

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, William Lloyd on May 31, 2011; and one son, Craig in infancy.

The family would like to thank the wonderful, loving and caring staff at West Village Care Center of Independence and Hospice Compassus. The family would also like to thank Marilyn's hospice nurse, Marcy, for her excellent care and compassion shown to Marilyn and her family during this difficult time.

Condolences may be left at: .

Published in The Gazette Nov. 18, 2012.