The Richmond News, March 28, 2025

Marilyn Joyce Forlow, 89, of Richmond passed away, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.

Marilyn was born Feb. 17, 1936, in Independence, the daughter of Otis Buford and Mildred Louise (Hampton) Land. She was united in marriage to Donald Duncan Forlow of Independence on Oct. 15, 1955. They enjoyed 69 years of marriage.

Survivors include her husband, Donald of Richmond; two daughters, Lynn (Larry) Jech and Lisa (Lonnie) Quick, both of Richmond; and son, Craig (Cindy) Forlow of Lee’s Summit.

Other survivors include three grandsons, Brandon (Annie) Quick, Nate (Tara) Quick and Zach (Erin) Forlow; and nine great-grandchildren, Alayna, Paige, Kennedy, Adia, Avarie, Grayson, Gavin, Zoey and Hunter. Her sister, Jackie (Bobby) Harrison of Independence; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Ed Borg.

Marilyn was raised and educated in Kansas City, graduating in 1955 from Northeast High School. Following her marriage to Donald, the couple lived in Independence until 1972, when they moved to the country and made their home on a farm near Rayville.

Marilyn embraced the rural lifestyle as a devoted housewife and homemaker while Donald worked as an electrician. She kept a large garden, canned her harvest, raised chickens and tended to a milk cow, all while caring for her beloved dogs, who had plenty of room to roam.

From a young age, Marilyn was known for her beautiful singing voice. While growing up in Independence, she began singing early in life and later became a member of the Sweet Adelines, where she found joy in harmonizing with others.

Marilyn and Donald also were active members of the Fort Osage Muzzle Loading Club. She proudly owned and used a custom muzzle loader made for her by her husband.

Marilyn was a gifted artist with a creative spirit. She explored several artistic media, including tole and watercolor painting, even teaching oil painting for a time. She also enjoyed ceramics, owning her own kiln and molds, and later developed a passion for China painting.

A proud member of the Town and Country China Painters Club, Marilyn’s talent was recognized at the Missouri State Fair in 2016, when her China painting portrait of Willie Nelson earned Best in Show. That piece was later displayed for nearly a year at the China Painting Museum in Oklahoma.

In her later years, Marilyn especially enjoyed playing bingo daily at Shirkey, where she brought her warm smile and vibrant personality to those around her.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Shirkey Hospice, Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation or the Ray County Arts Association. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main Street-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

A celebration of life with food and refreshments will be held noon-3 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at the Shirkey Golf Course clubhouse in Richmond. Inurnment will be at a later date in Mount Washington Cemetery, Independence.

Please share your memories of Marilyn by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.