Marion Phillips (Munns) Davis

 Marion Phillips (Munns) Davis , age 95, went to be with Jesus peacefully at her home on September 9, 2026. Marion was born on May 15, 1931, in Wayzata, Minnesota, to Cuthbert and Marion (Staddart) Munns. Her father was the herdsman and farm manager of Highcroft Farms in Wayzata. In 1943, the family purchased their own farm and moved Marion and her younger brother, Bob, to Elk River, Minnesota. Marion grew up with a love for people, a strong faith, and a willingness to be involved wherever she was needed. During her high school years, she was a cheerleader and a member of the glee club, theatre, and Homemakers Club. She attended Union Congregational Church, where she sang in the choir, and graduated from Elk River High School in 1949. After high school, Marion attended the Minneapolis School of Nursing and became a registered nurse. She married the love of her life, Andrew “Andy” Davis Jr. , on June 6, 1951, at Union Congregational Church in Elk River. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, farming, community, and serving others. Marion worked as a nurse at Hart Hospital in Monticello until the birth of their second child in 1955. She then left nursing to become a full-time mother and farmer’s wife—a job she embraced wholeheartedly. Marion was deeply involved in the lives of her children. She was a Cub Scout leader, 4-H leader, and an active member of women’s groups at church. She also worked as a census taker and somehow always seemed to find time to help wherever she was needed. In 1978, Marion and Andy sold their farm in Elk River and moved to McGregor, Minnesota. There, Marion continued farming, serving her family and her community. In 1980, she became Township Clerk, a position she faithfully held for more than 45 years. Marion was a true social butterfly. She took a genuine interest in the lives of the people she encountered. She made it a point to know her neighbors and to turn acquaintances into friends. Her warm personality and welcoming spirit meant that people often felt like family after knowing her for only a short time. One story that captured Marion and Andy perfectly was soon after moving to McGregor and not knowing anyone, they decided to “crash” a neighbors graduation party. What could have been an

awkward entrance instead became the beginning of a wonderful friendship. They became very good friends with Ben and MaryEllen Kangas, and that friendship continued for many years. Marion had a gift for making connections and making people feel welcome. She enjoyed being active in her community and belonged to the Flower Club and a 500 card club, which often met at their home. She loved gathering people together, sharing a meal, playing cards, visiting, music, dancing and simply enjoying the company of others. Marion also loved to travel. She and Andy traveled with their church youth group to Haiti, where they helped build a school. They made annual trips to Montana and traveled numerous times to San Antonio, Texas. But for Marion, the destination was never as important as the people waiting there. She would go wherever there were children, grandchildren, relatives, or friends to visit. Family was the center of Marion’s world. She loved being a part of all their lives, celebrating their accomplishments, encouraging them through challenges and making sure they were loved. Marion loved the outdoors and the water. She enjoyed boating, swimming, rafting, and canoeing, and many wonderful memories were made around the water with family and friends. Above all, Marion was a woman of faith. She believed that life had purpose and that God placed people and experiences in our lives for a reason. She was kind, generous, welcoming, and always willing to give of herself. Her faith was reflected not only in the church activities she participated in, but in the way she lived—by serving others, loving her family, and making room in her life for people. Marion leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, friendship, and service.

She will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and the many friends and neighbors whose lives she touched. She lived a life full of purpose, love, laughter, adventure, and people. And now, after 95 years of faithfully loving and serving others, Marion is home with Jesus.

Marion was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Andrew, her siblings Hugh, Jack, Jim, Dave, Ed, Betty, her grandsons Josh and James and many other friends.

She is survived by her brother, Bob (Linda) Munns of Anoka, MN. Her Children Diane of McGregor, MN. Randy (Denise) of Kalispell, MT. Scott (Greta) of Watertown, SD and Teresa (Arlo) of McGregor, MN. 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 5 great great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Please join us for A Celebration of Life at the McGregor United Methodist Church, Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 1:00pm.  Visitation will begin 1 hour prior to the service. The reception will be held at the Rice River Community Center from 3-5pm following the service.  To leave a message of condolence, please visit:  www.srtfuneral.com.  Arrangements are with McGregor Funeral Home and Cremation Service, McGregor.

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