Marilyn was born to Calvin and Lela Martin on November 11, 1934 in Elk City, Oklahoma. She was welcomed by her 2 older brothers, Larry and Clarence. Her younger years were spent in Texas and she was not happy when her family decided to move to Colorado. That all changed when she met the cutest boy ever at church one Sunday. He asked for her address and it was months before he FINALLY wrote her a letter! After graduating from Lamar High School in 1951, she married the love of her life, Eugene Nidey, on December 30, 1951. Eugene and Marilyn enjoyed over 63 years of marriage. To this union, 3 daughters were born, Sandra, Brenda, and Lisa. They made their first home in Campo, then later made a move to Friona, Texas in 1958 where he worked with his brothers-in-law farming and ranching. They then moved back to Campo in 1960, and built their new home in 1963. Following Eugene's passing in August 2015, Marilyn continued to reside there until her health no longer allowed that. She then moved to Maplewood Homes in Walsh and thoroughly enjoyed her time there.
Marilyn was an excellent cook and was famous for her cookies. At any kind of community gathering, when she brought cookies, they disappeared in no time! People often requested her recipes, and then complained because they said theirs were never as good as hers.
Being a homemaker was exactly what Marilyn loved doing. Besides all the cooking and baking, she spent many hours sewing, making all of the girls' clothes as they were growing up. Holidays called for matching outfits, even including a matching shirt for Eugene. She always went about her day humming and singing happily, no matter the task.
Marilyn always helped and supported Eugene in any way she could. She spent many hours keeping books for Cow County Welding, as well as helping with inventory every year (along with their recruited daughters.) It was a family affair! Marilyn also worked part time in the Campo Post Office for several years, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Getting together with all the kids and grandkids was a favorite time for both her and Eugene. Some of the best memories were the cookouts in their back yard with delicious burgers on the grill and homemade ice cream, followed by some VERY competitive croquet games.
Some other games Marilyn loved playing was dominoes with anyone willing to play, along with many rounds of Aggravation and Yahtzee with the grandkids.
Marilyn and Eugene enjoyed doing some traveling after they retired, as long as their health allowed. Some of their most memorable trips were Niagara Falls, Calgary Stampede in Canada, Narrow Gauge Railroad at Durango, National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, music shows in Branson, Missouri, and taking the grandkids to Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Marilyn was baptized into the body of Christ at a young age and served the Lord faithfully all her life. When there was a gospel meeting being held at the Sandy Soil Church of Christ, Marilyn always welcomed the evangelist and his family into their home, and was a gracious hostess cooking many wonderful meals. They enjoyed traveling to other congregations near and far to attend gospel meetings and made many lifelong friends along the way.
She departed this life on March 4, 2022 at the age of 87 in the Walsh Healthcare Center in Walsh, Colorado. Marilyn is survived by her daughters: Sandra (George) Lang of Plano, Texas, Brenda (Bobby) Grogan of Springfield, Colorado, and Lisa (Trent) Noe of Springfield; Grandchildren: Geoffrey and Lyssa Lang, Brandon (Carol) Grogan, Brittny (Clay) Thomas, Brianna (Travis) Billings, Beau (Alyssa) Grogan, Sheldon (Angie) Jackson, Shambrey (Matt) Rosengrants, Dane Noe and Jaden Noe; Great grandchildren: Jonathan Fontenot, Braden and Cameron Grogan, Macy and Tate Thomas, Shalee, Jorey, and Talon Billings, Paisley, Paxtyn, and Paycen Grogan, Tyrel and Dayton Jackson, Brody and Braelyn Rosengrants, and Kasen Noe; and one great great grandson, Kash Thomas.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene, her parents, Calvin and Lela, one son-in-law, Roylin Jackson, her brothers Larry and Clarence Martin, one sister-in-law, Nona Martin, father and mother-in-law, Herbert and Audrey Nidey, sister-in-law Lois Poteet, brothers-in-law, Arthur and Harold Nidey, Worth Poteet, and Robert Orndorff.
Mother, Grandmother, neighbor, friend…..Marilyn will be greatly missed.