Marilyn Rivers

A most beautiful soul, Myrtle Marilyn Rivers (Nana), went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 23, 2016. Born on August 11, 1928, in Grand Cayman, she was a bright light to all who knew her and is already dearly missed by so many. Marilyn was a resident of the Querencia retirement community at the time of her death where she had many special friends among the staff and residents. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 55 years, Ernest Leroy Rivers. After growing up on their beloved island of Grand Cayman and Ernie's graduation from the University of Texas at Austin, Marilyn and Ernie lived in Port Arthur, Texas, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Houston, Texas, while Ernie was employed by Gulf Oil Corporation. Upon Ernie's retirement, they moved to Austin, Texas. This allowed them to be near their grandchildren and cheer on their Longhorns. Their devout love and strong marriage was a testament to their faith in Christ and is a special legacy for their future generations.

Marilyn's greatest joy was found in serving and being with others. She took special notice and care of each person she met and was always inclusive. She was a fixture at First Presbyterian Church in Port Arthur, Texas, as well as other Presbyterian churches of the cities in which she lived. She was a long-time member of the Mary and Martha Women's Circle and took nursing assistant courses in order to be better able to serve. Throughout her life, she made herself available to others in every possible way. Whether serving as PTA president, Camp Fire leader, Sunday school teacher, on community boards or in one of her many other volunteer jobs, she was ever the joyful giver. She was an avid reader and loved to learn. She also had a lifelong love of politics that she inherited from her dad and held numerous positions in the Republican Women's Club.

Although she was involved with many civic activities and enjoyed them all, Nana's greatest joy was time spent with her grandchildren. She loved having them spend the night, cooking for them and, of course, spoiling them. Holidays were a special time at Nana's house and will remain some of our sweetest memories.

It would be impossible in this short space to accurately convey what Marilyn Rivers meant to so many people. She taught her family grace, patience, and kindness, and lived out her faith with a quiet strength in every aspect of her life. She was truly a woman of God. We so appreciate the many people who have communicated to us how she touched them.

Marilyn was predeceased by her brother, William Farrington. She is survived by those whom she dearly loved; brother Owen Murphy Farrington; sister Alicia Farrington Hydes; daughter Kathy Scott and her husband, Greg; daughter Karen Lye and her husband, Tom; grandchildren Stephen Scott and his wife Vicki; Travis Lye and his wife Cara Lye; Meagan Scott McVicker and her husband Michael; Matthew Scott and his wife Nikki; Whitney Lye Walker and her husband Bill; Kolton Lye and Rogan Lye; great-grandchildren Constantine Scott, Lukas Scott, Callan Lye, Mason McVicker, Mitchell McVicker and Audrey Scott. Nana was eagerly anticipating the arrival of three additional great-grandchildren; Baby Boy Walker, Baby Boy Lye, and Baby Scott.

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. Gary Foster and his entire staff for their kindness and care over the years, the nursing staff at St. David's Hospital for their recent care and the staff of Querencia for all they have done while she resided there.

A service to honor and celebrate the life of Marilyn Rivers will be held at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, 7127 Bee Cave Rd., Austin, Texas 78746 on Friday, September 2, 2016, at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make donations to the Presbyterian Children's Home, the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice.