Marilyn Fenton

Marilyn Fenton of Fairfield, Iowa, passed away peacefully at her home on March 12, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on June 13, 1931, near Libertyville, Iowa, she was the daughter of Bruce Bradfield and Pauline (Jackson) Bradfield. She grew up with her four older brothers, Billy, George, Paul, and Roderick.

A graduate of Fairfield High School in 1948, Marilyn earned her teaching certificate from Parsons College. It was there, while taking summer courses in 1952, that she met David Fenton at the campus pool. They married in 1953 and spent nearly 62 years together on their Wapello County farm near Bladensburg Christian Church until his passing in 2015. A dedicated educator, she taught for 30 years, beginning in a one-room rural schoolhouse, later in Ottumwa, and finally at Pence and Washington schools in Fairfield until her retirement in 1994.

Marilyn was an active member of the Literary Guild of Batavia, the Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association, the Fairfield Women’s Club, Chapter C of the PEO Sisterhood, and Eastern Star, where she served as Worthy Matron. She found deep joy in her family, her faith, and her long career shaping young lives.

She is survived by her children, Dr. Rayanne Shannon (Dr. Michael) of Fargo, Julie Ridgely (Robert) of Grimes, Brian Fenton of Ankeny, and Steven Fenton of Batavia; seven grandchildren, Derek Shannon, Erin Brand (Nathan), Emily Dodd (Ryan), Joshua Ridgely (Tina), Aaron Ridgely (Mari), Clayton Fenton, and Nathan Fenton (Josie); and thirteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, her husband David, and her daughter-in-law Angela Fenton.