Marlys Lorraine Dusenbery, age 86, of Washington, Iowa died Sunday, December 5, 2010 at the United Presbyterian Home following a decline in health.

Celebration of life services will be held 1:30 p.m. Friday December 10, 2010 at the Jones - Eden Funeral Home with Rev. Marlene Janssen officiating. Visitation will begin 12:00 p.m. Thursday at the Jones - Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Interment will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington, Iowa. Memorials have been established to the West Chester United Methodist Church, Hospice of Washington County and the United Presbyterian Home. Online condolences may be sent for Marlys' family through the web at www.jonesfh.com .

Marlys was born November 28, 1924 in Decorah, Iowa the daughter of David Alich and Bertha (Andersen) Musser. She graduated from Delhi High School. Marlys was united in marriage to Warren Pettlon on February 13, 1943 in Kahoka, Missouri. He preceded her in death on October 9, 1963. Marlys was united in marriage to William Philip Dusenbery on August 26, 1967 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Marlys was a self-employed insurance agent and a homemaker. She moved to rural West Chester in 1967. She was a member of the West Chester United Methodist Church and was active in the UMW. She was a member of Daughters of the Nile in Cedar Rapids, Social Order of Beauceaunt in Cedar Rapids and the Neighborhood Sew and So Club. While living in Cedar Rapids she sponsored a bowling league. Marlys was active in Masonic activities with her husband Bill.

Marlys is survived by her husband, William Dusenbery of Washington; daughter, Sharon Kay Pettlon of North Liberty; stepson, William D. Dusenbery and wife Nancy of Fairview Height, Illinois; stepson, Michael A. Dusenbery and wife Janis of Brookfield, Tennessee; stepson, Robert K. Dusenbery and wife Rhonda of Altus, Oklahoma; nine grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Warren Pettlon; one daughter, Ruth Thomas in 1990; two brothers, Robert Musser and Boyden Musser; one sister, Iola Musser; and one grandson, William David Dusenbery who died in Iraq.