Marilyn "Mooma" Janice Worley

Marilyn Janice Worley, born in Flint, Michigan in August 1950, passed away surrounded by her loving family and listening to her favorite song (Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb) in Kansas City on August 11, 2024. Marilyn's journey through life was marked by her deep love for family, her quiet tenacity, and her nurturing spirit.

Marilyn grew up in Ohio and then moved to Oklahoma for her senior year of high school, a change that led her to attend Oklahoma State University, where she earned an associate's degree in 1971. It was during this time that she met Van Vandiver, whom she married in 1972. Their union was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Lara in 1976, and Leah in 1980. 

Marilyn embraced her role as a homemaker while also cultivating her love for painting. Her life took a new direction after her first marriage ended and she entered the workforce. She began a long fulfilling career at Summerson-Burrows Real Estate. Over these years, as the company evolved into Prudential and later Better Homes and Gardens, Marilyn wore many hats. She eventually rose to the position of HR Manager as well as a liaison for all the agents. Her favorite professional achievement was overseeing the full corporate office remodel and design of Better Homes and Gardens on College Boulevard. After 35 years of dedicated service, Marilyn retired in April 2020.

Marilyn spent most of her adult life in Shawnee, KS, where she lovingly raised her children, and in Overland Park, KS, where she enjoyed her later years and retirement. Her husband of 32 years, Jim Worley, was her steadfast companion and caregiver, walking heroically with her through the challenges of her final years. He was truly an angel on earth. Her brother, Matt, was also a guiding light of love and support for both Jim and Marilyn as the mountains grew steep in her later years.

Marilyn was passionate about many things, including her love for dogs, her deep commitment to her principles, and her joy in traveling. She was particularly fond of cruises and held cherished memories of her trip to Hawaii. Marilyn also had a great sense of fashion and took pride in always looking impeccably dressed, often sharing her gift for style by helping others look their best and loved shopping with and for her daughters and grand-daughters.

Above all, Marilyn was a devoted mother and grandmother. She worked tirelessly to support and guide her daughters, Lara Neenan and Leah Farson, helping them grow into the outstanding women they are today. Her grandchildren, Joshua (21), Maya (18), Chase ( Neenan, and Ella Farson (6), were the light of her life, and she took great joy in finding the perfect gifts for them, always seeking something special. Marilyn was known to her family as "Mooma," as she wanted a unique name for her grandchildren and it was cemented by their first grandchild Joshua.

Marilyn is survived by her beloved husband, Jim Worley, her daughters Lara Neenan (Andrew) and Leah Farson (Jeffrey), her grandchildren, her brother Matt Martin and sister-in-law Cheryl Martin, along with their children Logan (Andrea) and Corbin (Jillian). She is also remembered by her first husband, Van Vandiver, the father of her children. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents Richard and Catherine Martin and her brother Wayne Martin.

A funeral service to celebrate Marilyn's life will be held on Monday, August 19, 2024, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish, 14251 Nall Ave, Overland Park, KS 66223. Visitation will take place from 10:00 to 10:40 a.m., with the service beginning at 10:45 a.m. Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon.

Marilyn's presence in our lives was a gift, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.