Marilyn Fenton

Marilyn Fenton

Fairfield

Marilyn Fenton, 94, of Fairfield, IA passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, March 12, 2026. A funeral service honoring her life will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Bladensburg Christian Church with Pastor Larry Smith officiating. Burial will be in the Batavia Cemetery immediately following the service. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield beginning at 2:00 p.m. with the family present to greet friend from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Marilyn's honor may be directed to the Bladensburg Christian Church and may be mailed to 9691 Competine Rd., Batavia, IA 52533. Friends may leave online condolences at cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Born on June 13, 1931, near Libertyville, IA, Marilyn was the daughter of Bruce Bradfield and Pauline (Jackson) Bradfield. She grew up alongside her four older brothers—Billy, George, Paul, and Roderick.

Marilyn attended rural schools before graduating from Fairfield High School in 1948. She went on to earn her teaching certificate from Parsons College. It was while taking summer courses at Parsons in 1952 that she met the love of her life, David Fenton, while swimming at the campus pool. The couple married in 1953, and after a honeymoon in the Ozarks, shared a married life together for nearly 62 years before his passing in May 2015. She and David raised their children on their Wapello County farm close to their beloved Bladensburg Christian Church.

A dedicated educator, Marilyn enjoyed a 30-year teaching career. She began her journey in a one-room rural schoolhouse, then taught in Ottumwa for a few years. She took a pause to raise her four children, then returned to teaching at Pence and Washington schools in Fairfield until retiring in 1994.

Marilyn had been a member of Literary Guild of Batavia, Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association, Fairfield Women’s Club, "Chapter C" PEO Sisterhood, and Eastern Star, where she had served as Worthy Matron.

Marilyn is survived by her four children: Dr. Rayanne Shannon (Dr. Michael) of Fargo, Julie Ridgely (Robert) of Grimes, Brian Fenton of Ankeny; and Steven Fenton of Batavia; seven grandchildren: Derek Shannon, Erin Brand (Nathan), Emily Dodd (Ryan), Joshua Ridgely (Tina), Aaron Ridgely (Mari), Clayton Fenton, and Nathan Fenton (Josie); and thirteen great-grandchildren: Samuel, Anna, Eve, Sarah, and Benjamin Brand; Louise, George, and Sunniva Dodd; Avery, Grahm, Emerson, and Finley Ridgely, and Jordy Ridgely.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, her husband David, and her daughter-in-law, Angela Fenton.