Funeral Services for Marilyn M. Dunham, Age 76 of Alton, Missouri will be held on Saturday, October 10th, 2026 at The Clary Funeral Home, Alton, Missouri, beginning at 10:00 AM. Visitation will take place on Friday, October 9th, 2026 at The Funeral Home from 6:00- 8:00 PM. Burial will take place in The Huddleston Cemetery, Alton, Missouri
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Huddleston Cemetery, Alton, Missouri in memory of our beloved nanny, Marilyn Dunham.
Marilyn Marie Dunham was born on November 13, 1949, and entered eternal rest on October 5, 2026. She married Harold Dean Dunham on December 29, 1969, in St. Louis, Missouri. Marilyn is survived by her granddaughter, Megan Dotson and her husband, Zach; grandson, Ethan Granger; great-granddaughter, Halle Dotson; great-grandson, Weston Dotson; daughter-in-law, Becky Granger and her husband, Jerry; niece, Ladon Blankenship; niece, Terri Williams; nieces and nephews; and many friends, including her longtime friend Ann Cowens. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roll Thomas Cook and Ruth VanWinkle Cook; her husband, Harold Dunham; her son, Lee Wayne Dunham; her great-grandson, Miles Grant Dotson; her parents-in-law, Leon Dunham and Hazel Dunham; and her sisters, Glenna Blankenship, Goldie Crabtree Sloan, and Laverne Crabtree Litton.
Marilyn spent many cherished years as a hairdresser and proudly owned and operated the Curl Up and Dye Shop. She loved serving her community, where she cut, colored, and permed hair and formed lasting connections with the people who sat in her chair.
Marilyn was a woman with a heart of gold—someone whose love, kindness, and generosity touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. Family was at the center of her world. She loved her family deeply and cherished every moment spent together. Her greatest joy came from being surrounded by the people she loved, creating memories, offering encouragement, and simply being there whenever she was needed. She had a special love for all babies and children. Their smiles brought her tremendous happiness, and she had a natural gift for making little ones feel safe, loved, and special.
She also had a wonderful sense of adventure and a passion for antiquing and yard sales. She loved the excitement of searching for a hidden treasure, discovering something special, and bringing home a find. Many happy memories were made wandering through antique shops, browsing tables at yard sales, and enjoying the simple pleasures of the hunt.
She was also a treasured member of her community, always willing to lend a helping hand, offer a kind word, or give generously to someone in need. She never looked for recognition for the things she did. Giving was simply part of who she was.
Those who knew her will remember her for her warmth, compassion, laughter, and unwavering love. She made the world a little kinder simply by being in it. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved so dearly the children she adored, the friends and neighbors she cared for, and the countless lives she touched through her generosity.
Though she is deeply missed, the love she gave so freely will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Her life was a gift, her love was a blessing, and her memory will live on forever.
