Marjorie Louise Wilcox, born Marjorie Louise Bensink, passed away at Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines, IA, on September 18, 2026. She was born on March 28, 1931, to Nelis and Esther Bensink in Pella, IA, and lived a life marked by faith, hard work, devotion to family and quiet, enduring strength.

Marjorie’s early years reflected the determination that would remain with her throughout her life. She went to country school as a child, riding a horse and buggy with her brother Henry. Later, she rode a saddle horse to school, and at another time walked a gravel road to meet a car that picked her up. She attended high school in Pella, Iowa, and graduated from Pella High School in 1949 as part of a class of 54 students known as the “49ers.”

On April 18, 1949, Marjorie was united in marriage to Arnold Lourens at her parents' home in Pella, IA, making their home in the Prairie City, IA and Colfax, IA rural areas. To this union three children were born and surviving are, Darrel (Johnnie) Lourens of Creston, IA; Sheryl (Bobby) Slings of Prairie City, IA; and Scott (Patty) Lourens of rural Osceola, IA; and nine grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. Also surviving Marjorie is a sister, Darlene Van Hal of Pella, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

Over the years, Marjorie worked in several roles, always known as someone who gave her best. In 1960, she worked for Farmers Mutual Insurance in Des Moines, Iowa. She also worked at Monroe Plastics in Albia, Iowa, and embraced the demanding and meaningful life of a farm wife. She was always a hard worker, a quality that defined her and stood among the things she was most proud of.

On August 20, 1971, Marjorie was united in marriage to Floyd Wilcox at the Presbyterian Church, in Monroe, IA, where she was a member. Marjorie and Floyd made their home in rural Albia, IA, until 1990 moving to rural Glenwood, MO. She had a loving relationship with Floyd's children and is survived by Debbie (Tim) Fincher of rural Greentop, MO; Connie (Doug) Gilworth of Unionville, MO; Jeanie Myers of Unionville, MO; and Floyd Kim Wilcox of Kansas, MO; and nine grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and four great, great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Her home and daily life were filled with the simple gifts she loved most. Marjorie enjoyed gardening, sewing and making clothes, canning food, and taking care of cattle. She loved sitting outside in the sunshine whenever she could. She was especially known for making pie, and her superb pie crust recipe was one she lovingly passed on to her daughter Sheryl along with homemade caramels she made every Christmas and gave away to family and friends. She loved football and baseball, and attended many of her grandchildren's games, following their lives with great care and pride. She never forgot a birthday, kept up with children and grandchildren, and seemed to know everyone's phone numbers by heart.

Faith in God was deeply important to Marjorie and remained a steady part of her life. She loved listening to old hymns and to Bobby’s guitar playing. Even after becoming blind, she continued to enjoy listening to books on tape. In one small daily ritual that spoke to memory and family ties, she ate walnuts every day and cracked them with her dad’s nutcracker.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Floyd Wilcox, her brother Henry Bensink and his wife, Betty; her sister Ruth Van Genderen and her husband, Russell; brother-in-law Jerry Van Hal; son-in-law Robert Kain; son-in-law Jerry Myers; granddaughter-in-law, Kathryn Kain; and grandson Rodney Fincher

Visitation will be held on September 27, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Dooley Funeral Home, 711 Washington St, Queen City, Missouri. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Dooley Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held directly after at The Lone Pine Cemetery near Martinstown, Missouri.

Marjorie will be remembered for her faithful heart, her strong work ethic, her love of family, and the warmth she brought to everyday life. Her legacy lives on in the traditions she shared, the care she gave, and the love that will continue to be felt by all who remember her.