Marilyn (Siler) McQueen, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the age of 79 in Blue Springs, Missouri, after complications following a broken hip. She was born in Wichita, Kansas, on September 4, 1945, to Wm. Merle and Margaret (Thomas) Siler. Growing up in Lee’s Summit, some of her cherished childhood memories included riding her horse, Buck, around the neighborhood, fishing with her father, and working summers for Dr. Bud Hertzog.
After graduating from Lee’s Summit High School in 1963, Marilyn attended Central Missouri State University where she studied Business Administration. Her career path led her to work for Lee’s Summit Animal Clinic, Western Electric, Chinnery, Stover & Waldo, Unity School of Christianity, and finally the United States Postal Service where she served as a dedicated rural route mail carrier from 1985 to 2004.
Marilyn lived at Lake Lotawana for 20 years where she enjoyed being on the water and hosting memorable fish fries. Upon retirement from the Post Office, she relocated to city life in Blue Springs. She traveled abroad as often as she could to visit grandchildren. Between snowbird travels and occasional RV life, she enjoyed arts and crafts. Marilyn was a talented artist and dabbled in several paint mediums, enjoyed basket weaving, gardening, and playing card games with friends. Marilyn had also worked to promote brain health by volunteering with Pilot Club International for several years. Notably, she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi for 50 years, building lasting relationships with her sorority sisters.
Preceded in death by her parents, sister Marlene Larson Milstead in 2022, and husband Bill McQueen in 2010, Marilyn is survived by her daughters Stephanie (Brian) Leary of Lee’s Summit, Heather (Bobby) Wait of Oak Grove, Allison Hope of Independence, and Celissa (David) Conrad of Creighton; her cherished grandchildren Courtney Emra, Brandon Leary, Kyannah Leary, Carmen Hope, Devyn Hope, Regina Vega, Rachel Westerhold, Emily Nelson, Paul Westerhold, Lucas Conrad, and Hannah Black; her five great-grandchildren; 2 special cousins; and several beloved nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Newcomer’s Floral Hills Funeral Home in Raytown, followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be held on a later date in the Lee’s Summit Historical Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Lee’s Summit History Museum.
