Marilyn Jean Richardson

Marilyn Richardson passed peacefully on Wednesday morning, June 21st, 2023. She was born, Marilyn Henke, in Pierre South Dakota on October 18, 1939. Marilyn spent her early years in White River South Dakota on the edge of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Her Dad, Wesley Henke, was one of the original County Agents and her mother, Etta Henke, taught school on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. At the age of four, her family moved to Hot Springs South Dakota. Her father was eligible for the draft and wanted to make sure, if he were selected, his family was with the many relatives living in Hot Springs. Marilyn grew up with her two sisters, Mary Ann and Maxine, and attended Elementary school in Hot Springs. The family moved to Fort Collins in 1952 where she attended Lincoln Junior High, Fort Collins High School and Colorado A&M, where she received a secretarial degree in 1959. After graduation, she worked for the Junior Chamber of Commerce in Fort Collins. Marilyn also worked for the CSU University Counseling Center for 14 years, from October of 1986 until her retirement in June of 2000. She had her first date with Don Richardson at their freshman year homecoming dance. They were married at the First United Methodist church in Fort Collins on September 6, 1959. Marilyn is survived by her sisters Maxine Schultz and Mary Ann Henke; her four children Rebecca Bell (Stewart), Amy Arnott (Brian), Tim Richardson and Donald Richardson; eight grandchildren, Jenny, Mallory and Bryant (Sarah) Bell; Holli, Trevor and Megan Richardson; Bridget and Christopher (Katie) Arnott; great grandchildren, Wesley Cordova, Dallas and Cali Luvene and Hailey Ingram; and a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family. It was only appropriate Marilyn passed on June 21, the summer solstice and longest day of the year, as she truly was a glimmering ray of sunshine. Her cheerful disposition and positive, vibrant character were not only addictive to those who knew her, but inspirational to all. June 21, 2023, also marked the 115th anniversary of her mother’s birth. Marilyn loved to paint and garden and was an avid Bronco, Nuggets and CSU Ram fan. She loved to play bridge and her bridge club was the nucleus of her dearest friends. Marilyn was very active in her grandchildren’s lives and loved deeply by her in-laws and entire extended family. Her paintings are cherished by everyone who has the privilege of being given one and displayed with pride in every family home. A Memorial Service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 1005 Stover on July 10 at 1:30 pm. Internment, will be scheduled at a later date at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks you to perform a random act of kindness as Marilyn liked to do.

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Marilyn Jean Richardson

October 18, 1939 - June 21, 2023