Marilyn Classen

From her home, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Marilyn Classen leaped from the arms of her loved ones into the arms of Jesus.

On June 17, 1935, the most beautiful soul was born into the family of Charlie and Mary (Steinert) Schneider in Enid, Oklahoma. Her birth brought much excitement to the extended Schneider family since she was only the second girl among many boys. Marilyn grew up on a farm near Lahoma, OK, where she attended elementary school. Her high school education was at Oklahoma Bible Academy in Meno when she lived in the dormitory until she graduated in 1953. She then attended Tabor College in Hillsboro, KS, graduating with a BA in English in 1957.

At the young age of 9, Marilyn accepted Christ as her personal Savior and in Fib. Of 1945, was baptized by Rev. Jack Adrian, and became a member of the City Mennonite Brethren Church. All her life, church was very important to her. She enjoyed working with the children’s department, Women’s Missionary Service (WMS), library and music ministry. Many were her experiences singing in choir and small groups. Music was always very special to her. She especially cherished her time singing and fellowshipping with the women of The Melodyaires. Marilyn and Jake were also the beloved grandparents in the Cubbies class at AWANA for many years.

At Tabor College she met the love of her life from Meade, KS, Jake Classen. Marilyn and Jake were married Aug. 9, 1957, and they had 48 wonderful years together, facing everything life brought them with their strong faith and never-ending grace and love. They have said that they were very blessed by their adoption of three children, Kelvin, Kerry, and Kaylene, but we children know ours was the greater blessing, having them as parents, giving us an incredible foundation of faith, hard work ethic, and love beyond reason.

Jake went to his Heavenly home on August 3, 2005. Although heartbroken, Marilyn continued in faith and strength that has blessed everyone she came in contact with. Even as she was nearing her Heavenly home, Marilyn was still sweetly loving on her wonderful caregivers and could tease them with a zinger every now and then.

Marilyn taught English in Shipshewana, IN for three years and for three and a half years at Oklahoma Bible Academy. She then became the office secretary at OBA. There she enjoyed working with the staff and students, a job she kept for twenty- four years, retiring in 2002.

Marilyn was famous in her beloved YMCA water-walking class for being able to hold her breath longer than anyone. Being afraid of the water and unable to swim, another testament to her character was that she was in the water-walking class there for forty years. In 2007 she was humbled to be recognized as an honoree on OBA’s Wall of Christian Commitment.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, two big brothers; Gib and Gladys Schneider, Chuck and Fan Schneider, her oldest son, Kelvin Classen, her daughter-in-law, Jennifer Classen and many other beloved brothers and sisters-in-law. Left behind to carry on her legacy are Daughter-in-law Mary (Doug Williams) Classen of Enid, son Kerry Classen of KS, and daughter Kaylene (Classen) and husband Dave Toelle of Enid, grandchildren Michael (Erin) Classen of AR, Bradly Classen of Tulsa, Conner (Ty) Zaloudek of Enid, DJ (Madison) Toelle of KS, Sydni Classen of TX, Nick (Chloe) Classen of TN, and Caroline Classen of KS. Great-grandchildren Elliot, Amelia, Eli, Ella, Celia, Ian, and Xander, numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews who have always been so incredibly loving to her, and “sister by choice”, Beverly Voth.

A Celebration of Life Service will be 10:00 am Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Crosspoint Church with Rev. Dallas Caldwell, Rev. Garvie Schmidt, and Rev. D. J. Toelle officiating. Burial will follow in the Starlight Cemetery, Lahoma under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Circle of Love with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory serving as custodians of the funds.

Condolences may be made, memories shared, and services viewed online at www.ladusauevans.com.