Mullen, Marlys (Joy) 1937-2023

MULLEN, JOY, MILLER, FUNES, STEINHAUS

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 2/2/2023 at 15:09:05

Marlys Mullen Obituary
Jan. 28, 2023

Marlys Mullen (Joy) passed away on January 28, 2023 surrounded by those who loved her.
Marlys was born on Oct. 6, 1937 in Newton, IA to Maurice Joy and Billie Joy (Miller). She graduated from Newton High School in 1956.

After graduation, Marlys spent some time in Miami but eventually returned home. While working at the local bank, she was encouraged to enter the local beauty pageant. Her talent of a “dramatic reading” set her apart for the other contestants and she would go on to be crowned Miss Jasper County. She went on to attend the University of Iowa where she met Michael Mullen of Marshalltown, IA. They married in 1960 and had two children. Although the marriage didn’t last, Marlys held many fond memories of Mike and their time together.

Marlys’ love for the arts was life long. During her early years, while living in Newton, she was very involved with the local community theater. She acted in and directed several productions put on by the Newton Community Theater. When life took her to Illinois, she was quick to seek out another theater group in order to continue her passion. Because of this passion, she instilled an appreciation for both the theater and movies in
her children.

Always a people person, Marlys worked in various industries. She would eventually go on to work for, and then own, an apartment rental agency in Rogers Park Illinois.

Marlys was an avid lover of antiques and unique collectibles. She loved discovering the history of a piece. One of her favorite shows to watch was “American Pickers”. She claimed to have seen every episode.

Anyone who knew Marlys was touched by her quick wit, passionate opinions and love for her family and animals.

Those left to honor her memory include her daughter, Laurie Funes (Mullen); son-in-law, Victor Funes, grandchildren Zachary and Olivia Funes, all of Texas, a niece, Suzan Steinhaus and nephew, Steve Joy, both of Wisconsin, as well as extended family and friends. Marlys is preceded in death by her parents, her brother and sister-in-law, Art and Carol Joy of Wisconsin, and
her son, Tim Mullen of Chicago.

Although Marlys lived in both Illinois and Texas during her 85 years, her heart never left Newton. In the coming months, her family will help her make one last journey back to Newton where she can be “Home” for eternity. One of her favorite quotes comes from the film, Field of Dreams; “Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa”.

Donations in memory of Marlys can be made to your favorite animal shelter.

Remembering Marlys On a gloomy, rainy Saturday, her favorite kind of day, my mom took her final breath on this earth. She
was surrounded by those who loved her both near and far.

Born and raised in Newton, Iowa, she was a true mid-westerner through and through. Our last real
conversation was spent reminiscing about her high school classmates of 1956. She still recognized all the names and was quick to share an anecdote. Although she would live in both Illinois and Texas during her 85 years, her heart never left Newton.

Never much of a “believer”, she did feel called in 1996 to wait in line to pay her respects to Cardinal Bernardin as he lie in state. She told me that she whispered to him, “I hope you aren’t disappointed”. I asked her a few days ago if she remembered that. She smiled and said “yes”. I told her that my hope for her was that she would be pleasantly surprised. She thought a moment, smiled, and said “okay!”

I will miss her quick wit and the familiar “hi, Bug” when I would come over.

She fiercely loved her grandchildren, son-in-law, extended family and all creatures great and small. Oh, and Barack Obama. How she loved him!
In the coming months, my family will help her make one last journey back to Newton where she can be
“home” for eternity. One of her favorite quotes comes from the film Field of Dreams, “Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa.”

I will forever miss her and love her.
By Laurie Nunez, Marlys' daughter. 28 Jan 2023.