Marilyn L. Belay, age 74, of Annandale, died Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at the Annandale Care Center.

As Marilyn requested, no services will be held.

Marilyn Louise Belay was born May 25, 1943 in Virginia, Minnesota to Fred and Florence (Lanari) Belay. Marilyn grew up in the Virginia area, where she graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1961. She furthered her education by obtaining her Bachelor's degree, as well as her Master's. On June 20, 1964 she was united in marriage to Donald Benkusky. They later divorced, but remained life partners. While living in Buffalo, Marilyn worked as a social worker for Wright County. She then lived in the Ray, Minnesota area for a number of years, before moving to Annandale in 1994. Marilyn was an avid reader and collector of books. With a strong love of gardening, Marilyn took a special interest in Chinese herbs and essential oils. She also had a special interest in the fine arts, and liked to paint and draw. Marilyn had a soft spot in her heart for animals, and become the proud caregiver to a rescue cat, Don Q.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Florence Belay and her ex-husband, Donald Benkusky.