Marilyn J. Dighton

On Thursday, May 7, 2026, heaven called home an amazing woman who lived her life with unwavering love and devotion. Marilyn J. Dighton, 91, of Coggon, Iowa, passed away peacefully at Hiawatha Care Center, surrounded by her family.

The family will greet friends from 4 - 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Central City, Iowa. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at United Parish Church in Coggon. Inurnment of Marilyn, together with her late husband, will take place at a later date at Coggon Cemetery.

Marilyn was born on September 10th, 1934, in Troy Mills, Iowa, the daughter of Harrison and Ida Florine (Keithley) Price. She attended school in Coggon, where her talent as a point guard stood out on the basketball court. On January 18th, 1953, Marilyn was united in marriage to David “Dave” Dighton at the Spring Grove Methodist Church in Troy Mills. Together, they spent time traveling during Dave’s service with the United States Army and later settled on the Dighton Family Farm in Coggon, where they raised their five beautiful children. Marilyn was always beautiful and classy in appearance, with a timeless elegance that made her unforgettable.

Dave and Marilyn bought the family farm in 1970 and moved their family to the “Big House” to take over the farming operation from his parents. Marilyn devoted her life to the enduring legacy of farming, giving countless years of hard work and dedication to the Dighton Family Farm. She was the steadfast wife of a band leader, always his greatest supporter, standing beside him through every season of life and every pursuit he cherished—even his draft horses. Through it all, they never stopped dancing! She was deeply devoted to her family, whose love and togetherness were the center of her world.

Marilyn wore many hats throughout her life, often serving as the quiet strength behind the scenes and always putting her family and others before herself. She was an amazing cook, and if you stopped by any day of the week, chances were you’d be welcomed with a slice of her homemade chocolate cake with brown sugar frosting—made from scratch. Marilyn found happiness in life’s simple comforts: a good western, watching the birds, and most of all, being surrounded by her family. In her later years, Marilyn’s unwavering support for her great-grandchildren never faded, as she traveled countless miles to cheer them on at ballgames, wrestling meets, and dance recitals. She never hesitated to set aside time to be present for the moments that mattered most, including the cherished tradition of the annual Gold Rush event in August.

Marilyn especially treasured her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, never missing a chance to squeeze them in close and leave behind bright red lipstick kisses on their cheeks, that became one of the many little things they’ll always remember. She had a beautiful way of making people feel heard and cared for, and her love and legacy will live on in those tender, unforgettable moments.

Marilyn’s devotion did not stop with her family as she was an active member in her community, including being a member of the United Parish Church in Coggon and the Coggon American Legion Auxiliary.

Marilyn is survived and lovingly remembered by her five children, Debbie (Dan) Williams of Walker, Iowa, Rae Ann (Daniel) Holub of Prairieburg, Iowa, Kirk (Kim) Dighton of Manchester, Iowa, Kaylene (Jeff) Squires of Center Point, Iowa, and Lynne (Mark) Rauch of Coggon; 14 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and siblings, Sandi Christensen of Iowa City, Iowa, Denise Short of Hiawatha, Iowa, and Doug (Barb) Price of Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 68 years, Dave Dighton; brother, Keith (Lila) Price; sons-in-law, Monty Sackett and Dan Williams; and brothers-in-law, Jim Christensen and Ron Short.

Memorials may be directed to the family, with charitable donations to be decided soon.

The family would like to thank everyone at the Hiawatha Care Center and the Hospice of Mercy for their exceptional care of Marilyn during her stay.