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Marilyn Kay Cardwell, 81, passed away on February 7, 2026, at the Knox County Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 19, 1944, in rural Knox City. Marilyn was the daughter of Albert and Allie Kathryn Rhoades. She graduated from Knox City High School in 1962, where she participated in basketball and cheerleading. Following high school, she married her high school sweetheart, Elvin Ray Morrow. From this union, two children were born: Dena Wilt (Jimmie) and Jeff Morrow (Diane). Marilyn was a devoted farm wife, often helping Elvin Ray with farming operations—bringing meals to the fields and working in the bean line in LaBelle. She also had a special love for raising dogs. Marilyn and Elvin Ray never missed their children’s activities and were always their biggest supporters.

After Elvin Ray’s passing in 1988, Marilyn later married Leroy Cardwell on September 15, 1990. Through this marriage, she had four stepchildren: Leslie Cardwell (Kim), Mark Cardwell (Rhonda), Lesa Noe (Richard), and Tony Cardwell. Marilyn and Leroy enjoyed traveling together and visiting with customers in places like Scotland, Mexico, Spain, France, Puerto Rico, England, Ireland, Jackson Hole Wyoming, Marthas Vineyard, Napa Valley and many others places.

They especially loved spending time at their Warsaw home spoon billing in the spring. They had a wonderful life together. She also enjoyed watching Kansas City Chiefs games and gatherings with family at their Baring Lake cabin. Family was the center of Marilyn’s life, and spending time with them brought her the greatest joy. Her grandchildren are: Paige Boggess (Brian), Sydney Eddy (Dustin), Hallie Wilt, Carlee Wilt, and Coltin Morrow; and step-grandchildren Mindy Flickinger (Nathan), Billy Cardwell (Beth), Evan Cardwell (Luisa), Junior Cardwell (Jessica), Bryce Cardwell (Rylie), Danielle Cardwell, Dillon Cardwell, Clancy Noe, and Gus Noe. She is also survived by her brother, Ronald Rhoades (Mildred); sister-in-law, Lisa Morrow; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Allie Rhoades, and her first husband, Elvin Ray Morrow and brother-in-law Terry Morrow and sister-in-law Linda Banks.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2026 in the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, MO. Visitation will begin Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. noon and services will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

Reverend Mike Wilson will officiate the services. Burial will be in the Knox City Cemetery.

Casket bearers will be Evan Cardwell, Billy Cardwell, Dillon Cardwell, Junior Cardwell, Clancy Noe, Gary Banks, Brian Banks and Tom Mason.

Memorials may be made to the Knox County Nursing Home Activity Department, and the Knox City Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, MO 63537.