Marilyn J. Hunnell

Marilyn Jeane Hunnell, 90, of Sedalia, passed away Friday, September 4, 2026, at her home.

She was born July 4, 1936, in Dubuque, IA, daughter of Marion E. and Leona B. (Atkinson) Latham.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Paul O. Hunnell; her parents; a stepdaughter, Vanessa Batchelor; a brother, James Latham; and a great-nephew, Nathan Decker.

Survivors include two sons, Scott and Michael Hunnell; a sister-in-law, Janet Latham; three nephews, Nick Latham, Tim Latham, and Dan Latham (Mary); one niece, Sarah Decker (Dan); three granddaughters, Brook Eckler (Derek), Kate Robey, and Jen Doty (Dale); one great-grandson, Jaxtyn Eckler; five great-nieces, Cathrine, Anna, Leona, and Penelope Latham, and Hanna Decker; and four great-nephews, Sam, Ben, Noah, and Ethan Decker.

She was raised, baptized, and confirmed in Immanuel United Church of Christ at 4th and Vermont, along with many friends from school. Her passions included planting flowers in her English-style gardens.

Mom loved reading murder mysteries from Mary Higgins Clark, including her yearly subscription to US and People magazines and Taste of Home. When her sight began to leave, she enjoyed watching all the old Turner classic movies with stars including Humphrey Bogart, Jimmy Stewart, James Cagney, and Kathryn Hepburn.

Her career included years at Pucket’s, the phone company, Lamy’s, Third National Bank, and head cook at Smith-Cotton cafeteria. She also did a lot of traveling, including multiple trips to New York and Canada, white water rafting in Idaho, and best of all, a ten-day tour of France and Italy.

Since she was born on the Fourth of July. The whole house is full of Americana that includes pillows, bird houses, beanie babies, and gnomes.

And finally, Simba, the only cat we’ve ever owned, he was a great companion to mom for 15 years until we recently had to say goodbye. To sum it up, mom filled nine decades with love, laughter, and one big adventure after another. I love you, mom. Until we meet again.

A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given in care of Heckart Funeral Home.