Marilyn Jaynes Featherstun was born April 5, 1945, in Neodesha, Kansas. She passed away on June 24, 2026, in her adopted hometown of Fort Worth, Texas, after a year-long illness.

Marilyn grew up on the family farm outside of Thayer, Kansas, the daughter of Orin Blakeslee Jaynes and Lillie Mae Jaynes. She had a brother, Blakeslee Duane Jaynes, born in 1941 and a sister, Betty Darlene Jaynes Wellshear, born in 1943. All have predeceased her.

Marilyn graduated high school and then attended Draughons College of Business in Kansas City, Missouri. Marilyn met her first love, Walter Marion Featherstun, III; they were married in January of 1966 and were delighted to welcome their only child, Todd Blakeslee Featherstun, on August 19, 1967. Tragically, Walter was killed in an automobile accident on October 5, 1967. For many years, it was just Marilyn and Todd who faced the world together. Todd brought Marilyn immeasurable joy! Todd eventually married his wife, Lynda; they now live in Bailey, Colorado, where Marilyn and Butch visited as often as possible.

Marilyn worked as a legal secretary for two years in Missouri, until moving with her son, Todd, to Fort Worth, Texas. She spent the next few years as a legal secretary and then a paralegal. She eventually moved to Beverly Hills, California, and worked as a paralegal for an attorney she had previously worked with in Fort Worth. While in California, Marilyn had amazing experiences and made life-long friends she kept in contact with until her passing.

Marilyn eventually moved back to Fort Worth, much to the delight of the friends she had left behind so many years before. It was in Fort Worth that she met and married the love of her life, Reinhold (Butch) Wilhelm. Marilyn and Butch were married on Valentines Day, 2004. It was a profound and genuine love that bound them together. Butch has been faithfully by her side in sickness and in health for 22 years. Theirs has been a true love to admire.

Marilyn was highly respected in the legal community where she worked for 44 years! In addition to Marilyn’s legal talent, she was quite a chef in the kitchen! She had exquisite taste in wine and food. Butch used to joke she had missed her calling – he thought she really should have been a restaurant critic. “Want to try a new place?” she would ask. Marilyn had tried them all and could tell you which ones to avoid. She was a whiz at games, and would get together with friends on a regular basis to play. She was also an

avid reader of books. There was always stimulating conversation when getting together with Marilyn.

Marilyn had many girlfriends and she loved them all. Several of them would get together for weekend trips and would gather for dinners out and at each other’s homes. Marilyn was truly the most gracious host; no one could compare! Marilyn and Butch’s lake house was a favorite among all who were fortunate enough to visit. She and Butch were extremely gracious to their many friends with their time and love.

Marilyn loved the beach as well as the mountains. She was so very happy when on a sweet trip with Butch. She was also delighted when visiting her son, Todd, and his wife, Lynda, in the beautiful Colorado mountains. It was guaranteed that when traveling with Marilyn, each day was a special occasion!

Marilyn is survived by her beloved Butch; her son, Todd and his wife, Lynda Featherstun, of Bailey, Colorado; Butch’s sons, Jeff and his wife, Tiffany Wilhelm of Port Orchard, Washington; Chad and his wife, Lisa Wilhelm of Mansfield, Texas; George and his wife, Val Lee of Gig Harbor, Washington; Willie and his wife, Leslie Lee of Forney, Texas; his daughter, Mischel and her husband, Tony Hutton, of Rowlett, Texas, as well as four grandchildren.

When asked how she would like to be remembered, Marilyn said, “with a smile on my face, a glass of wine in my hand, and love in my heart.” We do.

A Celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held in early Fall.