Marilyn Sue Bliss

Lifelong Goodland, KS resident, Marilyn Sue Bliss, 75, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at the Topside Manor in Goodland.

Marilyn was born on November 28, 1949 to Eugene F. and Esther E. (Wilson) Elliott. She was one of four children. She attended school in Edson and graduated from Edson High School in 1967. She married Sonny Linnell after high school and had two sons Jody Linnell and Gary Linnell, then later divorced.

Marilyn’s work history started at A&W, then First National Bank of Goodland, followed by a few bookkeeping positions and eventually started her own dog grooming business (Fido’s Fluff Shop). Marilyn’s favorite dogs were Scottish Terriers, and at one time, had four of them, one being a rare blonde Scottie.

Marilyn’s hobbies included volunteering in the community, spending time with family and friends, line dancing, listening to music, gardening, swimming, bicycling, and attending sporting events. In Marilyn’s youth, her family would spend time in the Colorado mountains, where they fished and camped. The Elliott families were card players. Every Sunday afternoon, Marilyn would drive to Edson to play cards with her mom and Aunt Norie.

Marilyn had many friends, and everyone who met her considered her a friend. About three years ago, her seven of her closest friends named their group Spirit Sisters, as each gal was a devout Christian, and represented several different churches. Phyllis Meszaros, Pam Whitson, Jackie Bueller, Connie Grieve, Charlene Chapin, Barb Moreland, Rhonda Wheat and Marilyn Hefner were always together. When you saw one, you could rest assured that there were others not far behind. Once she moved to Wheatridge Acres, dear friend, Marilyn Hefner made time every Sunday morning to get Marilyn ready for church. Marilyn loved going with Lorna Thorpe on thrift store trips, as well as spending time at Lorna’s farm. Marilyn could be seen loving on horses, dogs and even a racoon or two.

A devoted Christian who attended services at Calvary Gospel Church, Marilyn loved praising Jesus with her hands raised. One of her most cherished life experiences came in the summer of 2012, where she and life-long friend, Roberta Bretz and missionary DeAnna Frost from Life Centre Ministries spent a month in South Africa. All the years after that trip, even as dementia began to steal her memories, she always remembered how the people would dance and sing. She shared with her friends that she had been so blessed her whole life, and that trip was one she’d never forget. We know now that she is dancing and singing praises to the Lord in heaven.

She was preceded in death by her father Eugene.

Surviving family includes her mother Esther Elliott of Edson, her two sons Gary Linnell of Parker, CO and Jody Linnell of Ottawa, KS. She is also survived by two brothers and one sister; Marty (Kyle) Elliott of Goodland, KS, Maxine (Dennis) Howard of Tribune, KS and Mike (Susan) Elliot of Hillsboro, OR as well as ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made out to the NWKS Animal Shelter or to the Calvary Gospel Church and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.