Marilyn Yahnke

FARMINGTON - Marilyn Rist Yahnke passed away January 23, 2026 at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana after a brief illness. She was 86. She was born in Griffith, Indiana on June 8, 1939 to the late William and Helen (Hester) Rist.

In 1957, Marilyn graduated from Griffith High School in Griffith, Indiana. She graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, in 1961 where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. She was, quite literally, swept off her feet by David G. Yahnke during a sorority formal and they were married on August 19, 1961.

She taught third grade in Speedway, Indiana where they lived during David’s time at Indiana University School of Medicine. They lived for many years in Columbus, Indiana and moved to Farmington, Missouri, in 1992.

While in Farmington, she was an active member of Memorial United Church, spent many hours volunteering at Parkland Health Center and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years in 2017.

She was kind, generous and loved by everyone who knew her. She was a wonderful mother and role model to their two daughters, Karen (John) Bump of Chicago, Illinois and Kristin Yahnke of Indianapolis, Indiana and adoring Grammie to their two grandchildren, Katie and Michael Bump of Chicago. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, beginning at 12:00 noon at Memorial United Methodist Church followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m. with Reverend Shannon Davis officiating.  Interment will follow at Hillview Memorial Gardens.  Share your memories and condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.