Marilyn Froerer

Marilyn was born on June 30, 1935 in Logan, Utah to Alta and Louis Brenchley. She was the second of six children. She grew up in Wellsville, Utah, where she cultivated a love of learning, service, and family that would define her life. From the time she was in 6th grade, Marilyn felt a calling to become a nurse, a dream she pursued with determination. After graduating as Student Body Vice President from South Cache High School in 1953, she became part of the inaugural graduating class of Weber State’s College of Nursing, earning her Associate of Science degree in 1955.

Soon after passing her state board exams, on June 30, 1955–her 20th birthday–Marilyn married her eternal companion, Robert E. Froerer, in the Logan LDS Temple. Sharing her birth and anniversary dates became a cherished family tradition, although, as Robert often joked, anniversaries tended to be “upstaged” by Marilyn’s birthday celebrations.

Marilyn began her nursing career at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, supporting Robert as he attended law school. When their first child, Robert L., was born, she put her career on hold to focus on raising their growing family. For 24 years, she dedicated herself to her children. Marilyn was a devoted and dutiful mother. She made sure that all 5 of her sons earned the rank of Eagle Scout. As her children married and started their own families, a highlight of her week was hosting Sunday night get togethers where Bob Sr. would make whole wheat waffles for everyone.

She eventually got the itch to return to work. In 1978, with her youngest child starting kindergarten, Marilyn took a fun part-time job teaching exercise classes and serving as a receptionist at the Deseret Gym in Ogden. However, her passion for nursing drew her back to the profession. She always felt that ‘nursing is something that’s in my blood’, and in 1980, she resumed her career as a registered nurse at McKay-Dee Hospital, specializing in obstetrics. Despite a 24-year hiatus, Marilyn’s skills and dedication shone brightly. She proudly wore her traditional white cap long after it fell out of fashion; a symbol of her respect for the profession. Marilyn later joined the Ogden Women’s Clinic, working alongside Dr. Steve Johnson. Many of his patients expressed gratitude and appreciation for her kindness and insights.

Marilyn’s faith was central to her life. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served faithfully in numerous callings. Her high standards and enthusiasm, particularly as a chorister, earned both admiration and affection from the ward members. On occasion, she would halt, mid-hymn, to encourage the congregation to engage in more heartfelt participation.

In 1998, Marilyn and Robert fulfilled their dream of serving an LDS mission together, traveling to Mongolia for 18 months to assist in the growth of the Church. They helped establish the scouting program, taught English classes, and supported leadership in the Primary and Relief Society. Marilyn also introduced American-style baking to their branch, delighting members with her chocolate cakes.

Marilyn had many talents and hobbies that brought joy to her life and those around her. She was known for her bread-baking skills and cultivated beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. She created intricate needlework, producing beautiful pillow cases and table cloths even as arthritis set in. She was an avid reader and particularly loved her daily newspaper and perusing through the Readers Digest. She always had a book handy and in recent months she found great delight in reading recipe books. In her later years, she found joy in classic western TV shows: Bonanza and Gunsmoke were particular favorites.

Marilyn was the proud mother of eight children. Her love and devotion to them, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was unwavering, and in 2018, she was honoured as Weber County Mother of the Year.

She is survived by her children: Robert “Bobby” (Shawna), Myra Ann (Brian) Gurr, Holly (Brock) Carter, Todd (Donna), Eric (Michelle), Bryce (Joan), Peggy (Evan) Killick, and Jared (Emily); her siblings, Marie, Claron, and Gaylene; 27 grandchildren; and 46 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her brothers, Arlyn Brenchley and Clark Brenchley; and one great-grandson, Dylan Charles Kerr.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Myra Ann and her husband Brian, for welcoming Marilyn into their home and providing personal care during her final years. Special thanks are also given to Active Home Health, Hospice, and Personal Care for their tender care of our mother for the last several months.

Funeral services will be held on December 21, 2024 at 12:00 noon at the Huntsville Ward Building, 277 S. 7400 E., Huntsville, Utah with a viewing at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Huntsville Cemetery. The funeral will be streamed at www.jenkins-soffe.com/obituaries/Marilyn.Froerer.

Marilyn’s legacy of faith and service will live on in the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the General Missionary fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or the Annie Taylor Dee School of Nursing, Weber State University ((heidiwheatley1@weber.edu) in Marilyn’s memory.

Feel free to leave a memory of Marilyn at www.jenkins-soffe.com/obituaries/Marilyn.Froere