Marilyn Hope

Avis

Marilyn Hope (nee Benton) Avis of Warrenton, MO passed away on Monday, October 24, 2022 at home, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 93. Marilyn was born on January 24, 1929 in North Hollywood, California, the oldest daughter of Russell Ralph and Dorothy (nee Schmorleitz) Benton. She was united in marriage to Homer Lee Avis on November 23, 1947 at Friedens United Church of Christ in Warrenton, Mo.
In 1936, her family moved from North Hollywood to Overland MO where she attended grade school at Home Heights School in Overland. In 1941 the Benton's moved to the family farm on Truxton Road, north of Warrenton. She and her sister Norma finished grade school at Shelton School, north of Warrenton. Shelton School was a one-room school-house and since she and Norma were 16 months apart in age they were placed in the same grade. They attended Warrenton High School, where they both graduated in the class of 1947.
Marilyn loved and excelled in vocal music and in dance. At an early age her father taught her and her sister to play the violin and to tap dance. She played the baritone horn in the Warrenton High School Band, and in her senior year she and Norma gave dancing lessons to the public for ballet, soft shoe and tap dance in the Yocum Building in downtown Warrenton. Her greatest passion, however, was vocal music. She was a four-year member of the Warrenton High School Choir and in her junior year was part of the Warrenton High School Girls Trio that received a first at State and a first at National competition.
In 1946 she met the love of her life, Homer after he returned from serving in the U.S. Army in Europe. They were married on the one-year anniversary of their first date. She was an excellent seamstress and cook. While raising her family, Marilyn continued to do the things she loved; singing and directing choirs and singing at special Church services, at funerals and at weddings. Anyone who attended a Christmas Eve Candlelight service at Friedens United Church of Christ over the many years where she sang "Oh Holy Night" know what a wonderful performance it was and how her beautiful voice made the Christmas season special.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Homer, her parents Russell and Dorothy Benton, her sister Norma Faye and brother-in law Robert McCollum. She is survived by her four children, Marilee (John) Barry, Homer Benton (Becky) Avis, David Alan (Phyllis) Avis and Alvin Dale (Julie) Avis, one sister in-law, Bernadine Cope and many nieces and nephews. She was honored to be called "Mo" by her 14 loving grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.

A visitation for Marilyn Avis will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2022, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Martin Funeral Home, 510 East Main Street, Warrenton. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 7, 2022, 10:00 AM at Friedens United Church of Christ, 313 East Main Street, Warrenton. A graveside service will follow at the Warrenton City Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to Friedens Church c/o Martin Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.martinfuneral.net