Marilyn Marlene (Ryen) Boettcher, 93, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, at Trinity Center at Luther Park in Des Moines.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd). A memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM, also at Memorial Services of Iowa.

Marilyn was born on September 1, 1932, in Ames, Iowa to Vervil and Duard Hicks. Vervil later married Ray Ryen, who adopted Marilyn.

Marilyn was known for her expressive personality. She always had something to say, a face to match, and a beautiful smile. She brought warmth and graciousness to those around her. She had a deep love for her home, taking great pride in making it beautiful and inviting. Marilyn especially enjoyed entertaining and creating a space where family and friends felt cared for and comfortable.

Marilyn married the love of her life, Bill, in a quiet ceremony in 1950. Bill had been her basketball coach, and their marriage marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership rooted in love and devotion. They shared 70 years of marriage before his passing.

A lifelong learner, Marilyn returned to college in 1976 while her children were also attending college. She graduated from Drake University in 1980 with a degree in special education. She went on to teach junior high special education at Harding Junior High in Des Moines, where she made a meaningful impact on her students.

Faith was a cornerstone of Marilyn’s life. She was an active and devoted member of Point of Grace Church for many years, living out her faith through service, generosity, and compassion.

Marilyn will be remembered for her expressive spirit, her gracious heart, her devotion to family, and her unwavering faith. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Marilyn is survived by two of her children, Bill Boettcher (Lee Ann Quinn) of Ankeny and Tara Sitrick (Mark) of Bettendorf. She was a proud grandmother to Ryen Boettcher, David Sitrick (Hannah), Will Boettcher (Haleigh), and Joe Boettcher, all of the Des Moines area, and a great-grandmother to Jakobe, Callie, and Leighton Sitrick.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, and her daughter, Tamara Jayne.

The family extends their deepest gratitude and thanks to the staff at Trinity Center at Luther Park for their love and care for Marilyn over the last four years.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Visitation

May

9

Memorial Services of Iowa

4208 North Ankeny Blvd
Ankeny, IA 50023

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Memorial Service

May

9

Memorial Services of Iowa

4208 North Ankeny Blvd
Ankeny, IA 50023

11:00 AM