Robyn Lynn Demarest

Robbin Demarest obituary

Robbin Lynn Demarest, 64, Durban, South Africa, passed away Monday, September 6, 2021, in South Africa. Robbin was born April 20, 1957, in Marion, Indiana, the daughter of Verlis J. Collins and Margret E. (Dumpert) Collins. She was a 1975 graduate of Eastbrook High School in Marion, Indiana.

Robbin married the love of her life, Jeffrey Demarest, on June 9, 1978, in Milford, Ohio. Robbin served for 32 years alongside her husband on the continent of Africa in Kisii, Kenya, Kampala, Uganda, and Durban, South Africa. Though she suffered for more than 30 years with chronic pain and other ailments, Robbin never stopped serving the Lord she loved, nor did she stop trusting in Him through her circumstances.

Robbin's ministry was focused on encouraging others. She enjoyed hosting missionary families in their home, discipling ladies and holding a ladies tea in the Spring and Christmas season each year. She was a gift giver, she continually gave little gifts of cards, homemade decoupage hand soaps, coffee mugs and little trinkets from Africa. Throughout her illness, Robbin found joy in putting gifts together and sending notes to make others feel loved. Her focus was always on her Saviour and others rather than herself. Robbin's favorite verse was Isaiah 26:3, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

Robbin treasured her family. Constant video calls, online messages and prayers bridged the distance between them. Her godly legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, and those she took under her wing as she instilled God's truths in their lives.

Survivors include her husband of 43 years, Jeffrey Wayne Demarest; two daughters, Amy Lynn Hendrigsman, wife of Joseph D. Hendrigsman missionaries to Oaxaca, Mexico, and Jessica Marie Rushton, wife of Christopher J. Rushton of Lone Jack, MO; a son, Seth Edward Demarest, husband of Jennifer M. Demarest missionaries to Uganda, East Africa; three brothers, Jerry J. Collins, Terry Collins, and Jonathan Collins; a sister, Donna Jo Collins; and six grandchildren, Allison N. Rushton, Keeley E. Rushton, Savannah R. Rushton, Patrick J. Demarest, Anson M. Demarest and Titus J. Demarest.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at Crossroads Baptist Church, Carthage, Missouri. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery, Carthage. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at Crossroads Baptist Church. Memorial gifts are suggested to "Bibles for Africa" in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.