Marlene Ann Ainsworth

In 1942 as a youngster, Marlene’s family moved to Denver, then to Evergreen, CO, in 1949, where she graduated from Evergreen High in 1954, and to this day remains close friends with many that she graduated with. While in high school, Marlene immersed herself in many activities and organizations, including Student Council—becoming class President. She was also part of the newspaper staff, glee club, mixed chorus, variety shows, junior Red Cross, and Pep Club while performing in dramatics. Marlene also found time to be a majorette and homecoming attendant. In leisure time, she could be found skating on Evergreen Lake or joining her friends in town for a movie or in Idaho Springs to bowl with friends.

Upon graduation, Marlene enrolled in Parks Business School. Subsequently, she found work as an administrative assistant for attorneys, architects, and later in life at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Marlene married Thomas Alphonso Godwin, on September 16, 1956; the couple was blessed with four beloved children: Timothy Alphonso, Kimberly Ann, Todd Allen, and

Tyron Angus. After a divorce, Marlene married Robert L. Ainsworth in 1970.

Marlene was diversified, too, owning a Baskin Robbins store when the kids were young. Marlene enjoyed many activities and hobbies, including playing bridge with her friends and gambling in Black Hawk, along with trips to Las Vegas, where she enjoyed the casinos. Later in life, she loved to create artwork out of gourds with her sister Marge Johnson and walks on the beach. Also had a passion for travel and would spend many months out of the year living with her sister Marge in San Diego, CA. She also visited Canada, Hawaii, Mexico, road trips back east, and many camping trips.

Her children would tell you she encouraged them to pursue their own lives and interests from guitar lessons, football, and baseball. She later made it possible for daughter Kimberly to attend nursing school, Tim to attend the Guitar Institute in Los Angeles, Todd to attend Colorado Institute of Art classes, and Ty to attend college.

Marlene always took an interest in her children and grandchildren, their friends, and their work. Wanting to know the latest that was going on in their lives, the conversations that she had with her children were priceless. She loved her friends as well, and one of her friends recently said, “I have never met anyone like Marlene in my entire life. She was the most compassionate and loving friend” Her kids and grandkids would say, “She was always there to give us a hug, wipe a tear and give a word of encouragement.”

A lifelong caregiver Marlene dutifully took care of her father until his passing, as well as her mother and husband, Robert. It surprised no one that Marlene’s daughter became a nurse, who subsequently provided loving care with her husband, Marc, for Marlene’s final battle after suffering a major stroke allowing Marlene to die peacefully in her own home. Up until the very end Marlene was gracious and thankful; one of the last things she said was, to Kim and Marc, “I am home. Thank you, thank you.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Lela Johnson, husband Robert Lytle Ainsworth, brother Ronald Johnson, granddaughter Alana Rae Godwin, and stepson Thomas Robert Ainsworth Sr.

Marlene is survived by her dear sister, Marge Johnson of San Diego, CA, son Timothy and his wife Dawn, also in San Diego; daughter Kimberly and husband Marc Jefferson in Denver, CO; son Todd and his bride Song in Littleton; son Tyron and wife Phronsie in Denver; and daughter-in-law Linda Ainsworth. Marlene was also blessed with adored grandchildren, Thomas Jr.,

Adrie, Nikki, Jesse, Keenan, Maya, Shelby, and Tate. All loved her and will miss her terribly.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Denver Hospice (www.denverhospice.org) in Marlene’s memory. Celebration of life TBD at a later date.