Marilyn A. Harberts

HARBERTS KELLER MCNULTY REED

Posted By: diane beier (email)
Date: 1/14/2022 at 15:22:33

Marilyn A. Harberts of Independence will at last be returned to mother earth after 92 years of love and life On Wednesday, January 12, 2022.

The sun first rose for her on May 19, 1929, born to Basil Edward & Rose Anna (Keller) McNulty, a railroad working family in Hartley, Iowa. Marilyn, or "Little Lynny", as her father affectionately called her, was the youngest of seven siblings. Once settled in West Union, Iowa “Little Lynny” grew up spending her days listening to her father’s poems, learning about the railroad, and playing with her pets, King & Ophillia. After graduating from West Union High School (1947) Marilyn embarked on making a life of her own in Iowa.
The fashion of the 40s enticed Marilyn and she enrolled in Pitzie’s School of Beauty and obtained her cosmetology license. She often quoted her year at Pitzie’s as a time of growth. Shortly after leaving Pitzie’s, she and her best friend Vonny found employment at Independence’s MHI. Marilyn, always a hard worker, kind and energetic, was busied there by many domestic operational duties all over the campus. While working there, she happened to catch the eye of Assistant Business Manager, Edgar Harberts. The two shared stories, dates, and even a few kisses culminating in vows and marrying on September 6, 1952. They quickly decided to grow their love by starting a family.

Robert Lawrence “Bob,” William Dwight “Bill,” and Mary Rose (Reed) were delivered into the world in that succession, always dressed in the most pristine matching outfits as Marilyn was the most exquisite seamstress. As the young family grew, it was time to build a house in which to properly raise this family of five. Here Marilyn and Ed made a wonderful homelife. Marilyn, as the best hard-working Mom, cared for and nurtured a healthy, comfortable family in a family universe she made spanning decades.
A lover of the outdoors, Marilyn volunteered thousands of hours to curate the local MHI Prairie Plot, always taking time to showcase the beauty of grasses, flowers, bumblebees, and birds through her trusty Canon camera or in one of her flowing published poems.

As time ticked on, Marilyn welcomed four beloved grandchildren- Austin, Marissa, Callai, & Mason Reed. “Grandma Marilyn” was by far a favorite- visiting her meant getting a splash of half-and-half in your cereal, staying up late to explore family history in the depths of her attic, or sharing a DQ ice cream.
Upon visiting, it was inevitable that you’d find Marilyn in one of her three favorite places: in her expansive garden amongst the grapevines and tomato plants, down in her basement focused intently on her sewing, or climbing on the roof taking care of her own home maintenance.

Marilyn was a connector, a caregiver- always keeping everyone fed, clothed, and in the loop with her letters. As she aged, her family would return the favor, checking in often, and gifting her the kitschiest “Most Loved Grandma” sweater that she wore proudly, even well past the grandkids becoming adults. Some of our fondest memories include her chasing us down the driveway, making sure to get that last goodbye in before she would send us off.

It’s with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to this beautiful soul as the sun has set for her one last time, but we know that she is meant to be one with the earth again, happiest amongst the birds, wildflowers, and in our hearts.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 PM on Monday, January 17, 2022, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Independence, IA, burial will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

The Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.