Marilyn Kay Temple, 79, died Monday, April 20, 2026 at her home in Wichita, Kansas.

She was born on August 6, 1946 in Kingman, Kansas, the daughter of Edd and Ruby Bett. Marilyn was raised in the Spivey area until her teenage years when the family moved to Kingman, Kansas where she graduated from high school. Shortly after graduating from high school Marilyn moved to Wichita.

In Wichita, Marilyn received her degree in nursing. She worked as a registered nurse for nearly 25 years until she retired.

Marilyn married Phillip Wayne Temple on January 21,1995 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. They later lived in Blue Springs, Missouri before returning to Wichita. Phillip died on February 22, 2025.

Marilyn was a loving daughter, sister and mother. She loved to spend time with her family and absolutely adored her four grandsons. She was an avid reader throughout her life and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. Together, Marilyn and Phil enjoyed riding their bicycles, dancing and boating. Marilyn attended New Spring Church in Wichita.

Survivors include her son Jay Donley and wife Sarah of Olathe, Kansas; daughter Shannon Donley and husband Steve Steffens of Park Ridge, Illinois; sisters Connie Helm of Park City, Kansas, Judy Wellinghoff of Wichita, Trudy Bett of Kingman, Toni Robinson of Odessa, Missouri; and four grandchildren Jack Donley, Ryan Donley, Noah Donley, and Luke Steffens.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents; husband; and twin sister Carolyn Engstrand.

A Celebration of Life will be held at New Spring Church in Wichita on Tuesday, June 23rd at 2 pm.

Arrangements are by Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Kansas.