Marilyn Rae Rose Thudium

Marilyn Rae Rose Thudium, 96, passed peacefully on March 11, 2023 in Liberty, Missouri.

She was born January 26, 1927 in Brookfield, Mo to parents, Ray and Genevieve Sternke. Growing up she enjoyed summers at the family cottage at Brookfield Country Club. Marilyn married her high school sweetheart, Richard “Dick” Rose after attending Missouri Valley College where she was a cheerleader and a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. Dick and Marilyn settled into their Brookfield home, raising two children, David and Jennifer. Marilyn also became a sales realtor for Cleveland Real Estate. 

Marilyn was active in her church, First Presbyterian Church of Brookfield, directing the children’s choir, singing in the adult choir and acting as the adult choir director.  She was the moderator and treasurer of the Mo. Union Presbytery. She twice served as a delegate to the Presbyterian National General Assembly. Marilyn was also active in PEO Chapters AG and IZ as well as other women’s groups.

Marilyn was a real go- getter, believing women should have a career. She was a Field Director for Becky Thatcher Area Girl Scout Council for many decades receiving the prestigious Thanks Badges 1 and 2.  After retirement from the Girl Scouts she continued to empower young women by becoming a resident house mother at several University of Missouri sororities where she received the Panhellenic Housemother of the Year Award. 

Marilyn had a personality larger than life. She loved to perform.  She co-directed and performed in Brookfield County Club openings.  On the Fourth of July she entertained with “God Bless America”. During her lifetime, she may be best known as the Mizzou Flag Lady, running back and forth in the stands with her black and gold flag.  Her love of the University of Missouri Tigers was well known. She was a season ticket holder for over 64 years and rarely missed a game.

After being widowed, Marilyn married her lifelong friend, Lane Thudium, merging two close families into one. They spent countless hours at Brookfield sporting events cheering on their family.

Marilyn is survived by her children, David (Roberta) Rose and Jennifer (John) Stipetich and grandchildren David, Whitney and Mallory and five great grandchildren. She is also survived by stepsons, Bill (Shane) Thudium and Robert Thudium and their families. Marilyn was preceded in death by her brother, Myrl, both her spouses and her parents.

The family suggests memorial donations to the First Presbyterian Church in Brookfield or the Tiger Scholarship Fund (c/o G. Scott Cleveland Endowed Football Scholarship). Memorial contributions may be left at Wright Funeral Home or mailed to P.O. Box 496, Brookfield, MO  64628.

Visitation will be held on Friday March 17 at the First Presbyterian Church in Brookfield, MO at 10am with a service following at 11am. Burial will be at the Parklawn Cemetery.

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