Marilyn Ann Davis Garst (née Shinn), a loving mother and grandmother, registered nurse, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2024, in Coon Rapids, Iowa, at 93 years
young. Born on July 4, 1931, in Creston, Iowa, Marilyn lived a rich and fulfilling life, deeply rooted in her love for family, community and the arts. The only child of Wallace N. Shinn and Ruby Smith Shinn, Marilyn was raised in Creston, except for a brief period during World War II when the family resided in Des Moines. After graduating from Creston High School, Marilyn pursued her passion for helping others, attending the Iowa Methodist School of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse. She later continued her health education and taught and coordinated nursing continuing education programs for Iowa Community College in Marshalltown.
Marilyn married Edison (Ed) Davis, and they raised their three daughters in State Center, Iowa. Home was always a place where friends and family were welcomed with open arms. After the girls were grown, Marilyn married David Garst and moved to Coon Rapids, where she lived for more than 40 years and made countless friends.
Marilyn is survived by her three daughters: Becky Greenwald of Perry, Ia.; Cyndi Davis Anderholt Messner (Roe) of Mountain Center, Calif., and Wichita, Kan.; and Sherry
Fahsholtz (Mike) of Indian Wells, Calif. and East Wenatchee, Wash. Step-daughter-in law Christine Garst of Olympia, Wash., stepdaughter, Sallee Garst Haerr (Richard) of Fairfield, Ia. She was a proud grandmother to Adrienne Greenwald (Zac Andersen) of Des Moines, Ia.; Matt Garst-Taylor (Belinda) Duluth, Minn.; Jo Garst of Grass Valley, Calif.; Zach Greenwald (Megan Michaelsen) of Perry, Ia.; Dr. Anthony Fahsholtz (Alexis) of Naples, Fla.; Sam Fahsholtz (Mariel) of Mountain Center, Calif.; Niki Fahsholtz of East Wenatchee, Wash.; step grandchildren Joseph Garst, Nathan Haerr and Phoebe Haerr; and great-grandson, Jon Fahsholtz. Preceding Marilyn in death were her parents, son-in-law John Anderholt and stepsons Sam Garst and Jimmy Garst.
Marilyn was engaged in her community and active in local and national Democratic politics. Her commitment to the community was evident in her service and participation in
various organizations. She was a lifelong P.E.O. and member of Chapter DW, she served on the Friends of the Coon Rapids Library Board for nine years; and was the longtime Coon Rapids United Fund Secretary, member of Coon Rapids Women of Faith and Classy Ladies Who Lunch Bunch (formerly Coon Rapids Red Hat Ladies).
Marilyn loved to play bridge, golf, and read. She belonged to multiple bridge clubs and loved playing Kings on the Corner with her grandkids. She actually won several hands
playing just five days before her death.
Marilyn had a deep appreciation for the performing arts, especially the Des Moines Symphony and Broadway Series. She enjoyed the simple pleasure of morning coffee with
friends. She was a proud life-long Iowa resident who enjoyed traveling the world. Marilyn’s life was a testament to the power of love, community, and lifelong learning. She
touched the lives of everyone she met, and her legacy of compassion, dedication, and kindness will continue to inspire those who knew her.
A memorial service will be held August 13, 2024, at the United Methodist Church in Coon Rapids, Iowa. Family visitation at 10 and Celebration of Life at 10:30 followed by
lunch. Interment will follow at 3:00 PM at Graceland Cemetery in Creston, Iowa. Marilyn Garst will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Marilyn’s memory to Planned Parenthood North Central States or Friends of the Coon Rapids Library. Online condolences can be given at www.powersfh.com.
