Marlene Cummings

Marlene Cummings, age 81, of Truro, Iowa, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026, at her home.

Marlene was born on July 27, 1944, in Stuart, Iowa, the daughter of Guy and Midge (Stills) Thompson. She attended school in Redfield and graduated from Dexfield High School. On July 24, 1962, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Norwin Harold Cummings, at the Christian Church in Redfield. They shared many loving years together until Norwin’s passing in 2018.

Marlene was a devoted caretaker to any and all pets and animals, always showing them patience and unconditional love. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including mowing her yard, crocheting stockings each year for her family, and preparing special birthday dinners for those she loved. She cherished family gatherings and traditions, especially decorating for Christmas, which brought her great happiness and spending time at the pool with her family in the summers.

Marlene enjoyed her daily routines, beginning her mornings with coffee and toast and ending her evenings with iced coffee and chocolate. After her husband’s passing, she became fiercely independent and took great pride in maintaining her home, which was always meticulously clean and ready to welcome visitors. She was attentive to detail and ran a tight ship in her household. Marlene also held a special place in her heart for her beloved dog, WinnieLou, whom she loved deeply.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Norwin in 2018; sisters: Ramona Aldrich and Wardene Isenhart; brother: Larry Thompson; and a grandson: Michael Steven Cummings.

Marlene is survived by her children: Steve (Laura) Cummings, Russ (Brandy) Cummings, Chris (Emily) Cummings, Shannon Van Otterloo, and Neil Van Otterloo; grandchildren: Nathan, Ashley, Tony, Jessie, Josh, Zach, Jordan, Adam, Blake, Abbie, Cyler, Cody, Madison, and Lucas; sister: Terri (Paul) Beaman; as well as many more great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation with family present will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale, Iowa. A private graveside service will be held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association or Parkinson’s Foundation in Marlene’s honor.

Marlene will be remembered for her independence, loving heart, and devotion to her family and animals.