Marilynn Frances Guthrie

Marilynn Frances Guthrie, 88, of La Monte, MO, passed away peacefully surrounded by her daughters on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at her home. She was born on July 26, 1937, in La Monte, the daughter of John Avery Rice and Esther Matilda (Yost) Rice, who preceded her in death.

On February 23, 1958, at the La Monte United Methodist Church, she was united in marriage to Clarence Lee "Tuffy" Guthrie, who preceded her in death on December 8, 2012.

Marilynn was a lifelong resident of La Monte and a proud graduate of La Monte High School, Class of 1955. She was a devoted member of La Monte United Methodist Church. In her early years, she worked at Town and Country Shoes until becoming a mother. She later served as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher and was well-known as the co-chair for countless baby and wedding showers alongside her dear friend, Scotty Rieckhoff Scotten.

Marilynn was a remarkable seamstress. She lovingly created many of her own clothes, as well as clothing for her three daughters. She sewed every school formal dress for them and also made numerous bridesmaids' dresses for the weddings of Paula, Carla, and many others. Throughout her daughters' school years, Marilynn frequently put her skills to work, sewing cheer camp outfits, choir dresses, volleyball uniforms, and much more. Her sewing touched her church community as well. She made garments for the children's acolyte program, created altar cloths, and sewed for the youth group, the Peacemakers. While raising her children, she also worked part-time for the Missouri Pork Producers.

She served faithfully as a room parent and spent summers managing "The Shack" refreshment stand. She also dedicated time to the La Monte Alumni Association, where she served as president, and she brought joy to many by playing Santa's elf, again with her partner in fun, Scotty. Marilynn enjoyed serving as a Girl Scout leader. She always looked forward to being involved with her daughters' and grandchildren's activities.

Marilynn loved writing poetry and heartfelt letters. Her greeting cards, beautifully handwritten and uniquely designed, were treasured by family and friends. She had a special gift for expressing love and encouragement through her words.

In 1981, Marilynn began helping part-time at the local bank while her daughter Paula was on maternity leave. What started as temporary help became a long and fulfilling career. She continued working at the bank until retiring in 2008 at the age of 65.

Marilynn is survived by her three daughters, Paula Jean Hughes, Carla Sue Childers, and MaryLee Guthrie, all of La Monte; five grandchildren, Brooke Ashley Hughes-Muse (Timothy), Cal Avery Childers, Daniel Joseph Hughes (Crystal), Brett Allen Childers (Tessa), and Sydney Katelynn Guthrie; twelve great-grandchildren; Willow, Rowan, Cypress "Danny", and Magnolia Hughes-Muse, Sutton, Lyra, and McGrady Hughes, Cree and Clover Childers, Guthrie, Beau, and Arlo Childers; two brothers, Vernon "Buster" Rice of Hawaii and John Avery Rice of Alaska; a sister, Lillian Charlotte Butler of Belleville, IL; a sister-in-law, Carol Means Rice of Arizona; and numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Preston McKinley "Mac" Rice; four sisters, Marjorie Meierotto, Neva Geraldine Durley, Lee Etta Knuth, and Alice Irene Cordes; and a grandson, Andrew Shane Hughes.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the La Monte United Methodist Church with Pastor Deb Galey officiating. Burial will follow at the La Monte Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the church.

Pallbearers will be Cal Childers, Daniel Hughes, Brett Childers, Hunter Durley, Toby Brown, and Dick Hutchison.

Memorial contributions may be made to the La Monte United Methodist Church or to a charity of the donor's choice in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.