Marilyn Florence (Horne) Amstutz

AMSTUTZ, Marilyn Florence (Horne) Feb 5, 1957 – Oct 19, 2014 Marilyn Florence Horne was born on February 5th, 1957 to Olive and Gordon Horne in Simcoe, Ontario, Canada. After graduating from Simcoe Composite School, she moved to the United States for college. It wasn’t New York City or Los Angeles that lured her away from her homeland, but the small city of Cedarville, Ohio where she felt called to attend Cedarville University. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1978 and moved back to Simcoe to teach grades 5-6 at Bethel Baptist Academy. During this time, she became reacquainted with a friend from Cedarville, Kent Amstutz. They began dating long-distance and married in 1981, and again she moved to the states—this time to Des Moines, Iowa where Kent was in medical school. While in Des Moines, Marilyn taught Middle School English at Grandview Park Baptist School. Kent had joined the Air Force before entering medical school, so upon his graduation they were sent to Biloxi, Mississippi for his residency. In 1983, their first child was born, Jenee Christina. 1986 brought another move—Omaha, NE—and another baby, Melissa Lynn. Shortly after, they moved to Papillion, NE, and with the Air Force being the Air Force, they moved shortly after that to Puyallup, WA. Marilyn was able to home school the girls during their time in Washington, and they all enjoyed the beautiful forests, mountains, and ocean now available as their classroom. Kent’s liver disease unfortunately progressed while in Washington, and while they were set to make their next move to England, instead they returned to Nebraska in order for Kent to receive care at UNMC, which housed one of the best transplant teams in the country. After Kent’s liver transplant, Marilyn and her family settled into life in Nebraska. She became a substitute teacher for Papillion-La Vista Schools until 2002. Marilyn was gifted in many ways. She played the flute, piano, and sang; which she was able to do all over the world through her trips to Brazil (1978) all ten provinces in Canada (1980), and Australia (1977 and 2008). She delighted in serving and participating in ministry at Christ Community Church, where she wrote curriculum, taught bible studies, sponsored youth trips, and was a student leader trainer in the youth group. Marilyn always valued education. She loved learning and she loved to teach others. She went back to school and graduated from Grace University with her Master of Arts in Biblical Studies in 2009. In 2008, she became the Dean of Women at Grace University and continued until 2013. She cultivated many long, lasting relationships with her students. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, she was a beloved Grammie to her grandchildren, Sam and Lucia. She was a friend to anyone who came into contact with her and she cared for all living things. Her battle with cancer was fought courageously, passionately, and with a smile until the very end. The family will receive friends Thursday, October 23rd from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel. SERVICES Friday, October 24th at 11am at Christ Community Church, 404 S. 108 Ave. Private Interment, Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to New City Church, Grace University, or Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.

HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER Mortuaries and Crematories 7805 West Center Road Omaha, Nebraska 68124 (402) 391-3900

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