Marilyn Jane Monson Martin

Marilyn Jane Monson Martin, 83, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2023, surrounded by her loving children. Family was her absolute most cherished treasure. She always looked forward to get-togethers for any occasion, and hosted many. Time together was time well spent. Her father said that Marilyn was “a grand girl, with the best personality and best disposition.” She encouraged others to be their best and was a great example. With her kind and thoughtful personality, she loved everyone… and was deeply loved by all who knew her.

Marilyn was born September 21, 1940, in Salt Lake City to Spencer and Gladys Monson, their fourth of six children. Their close-knit family extended to include many aunts, uncles, and cousins, all living nearby and very involved in Marilyn’s childhood. Every summer was spent at the family cabin up Provo Canyon—a child’s paradise. Marilyn attended Grant Elementary, Horace Mann Junior High, and West High School. She had many friends, with whom she enjoyed lifelong friendships. Speech was one of her favorite classes, and she participated in many speech competitions and gave many readings.

From her early years of playing school with her younger siblings and nieces and nephews, Marilyn knew she wanted to be a school teacher. In college at the University of Utah, she was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority and Lambda Delta Sigma (the church Institute) and graduated with a degree in elementary education. At an Institute dance her Freshman year of college, Marilyn met a young man named Loren. They enjoyed a courtship, including two years of letter correspondence while Loren served an LDS church mission. She noted early on, “Gee, I can’t think of anyone else I could possibly love as much as Loren.” Their love was sealed forever on August 5, 1963, marrying in the Salt Lake Temple.

Marilyn taught 3rd grade, supporting Loren through law school, before they ventured off to Germany for his Army service, and then FBI service in Oklahoma and Kansas. Returning to Utah, Marilyn and Loren settled in Bountiful to raise their family. Marilyn later wrote, “I think my greatest joy has been the arrival of each of our 7 children in our lives. It is something I have enjoyed at every stage.” Marilyn ensured her children learned and had opportunities. Piano lessons were required, and many other sports, crafts, theater, reading, and other activities were encouraged.

Marilyn resumed her teaching career, teaching for another 24 years at Jennie P. Stewart Elementary in Centerville, 3rd and 4th grade. She was a favorite teacher and often recognized by former students wherever she went. Marilyn’s children and grandchildren also joined her in the classroom, helping to prepare her room for the next school year.

Marilyn was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and generously shared her Christ-like service and testimony with others. She enjoyed her church callings with Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society, and loved her neighbors and 30th ward family. Marilyn was an avid reader and belonged to the same book club for decades. She enjoyed travel, plays and musical productions, her SilverSneakers fitness class, the Utah Jazz, playing card games with her family, and her favorite color blue. She never missed making a birthday phone call to her loved ones, and her Christmas gifts to each child and grandchild included a personal handwritten note, which might contain a clue to where a gift was hidden.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, and love of her life, Loren Dale Martin; her parents; siblings Margorie (Conway) Dearden, Thomas (Frances) Monson, brother-in-law Paul Fleming; and one grandson, Jacob. She is survived by her 7 children Robert Loren (Wendy), David Dale (Sonda), Thomas Spencer (Aleyce), Richard Leno (Wren), Holly Lynn (Rob) Barker, Melanie Jane (Kevin) Banner, Laurie Ellen (Rob) Taylor; 33 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren (with 3 more coming); and siblings Robert (Laura) Monson, Scott (Diana) Monson, and Barbara Fleming.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 25, 2023, at the Bountiful East Stake Center, 650 East 2150 South, Bountiful, Utah. An evening viewing will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, November 24, 2023, at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, in Bountiful. Another viewing will take place Saturday from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment to take place at Bountiful City Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes before the services and will be posted below.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the General Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.