Marilyn E Shelley

Marilyn Ellsworth Shelley, 83, of Riverton, Utah, passed away on November 16, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was surrounded by her loving family in her final days.

Her family was everything to her and she was happiest when she was surrounded by them. She leaves behind her loving husband, Robert Shelley; her children, Bill Shelley, Tim (Sheryl) Shelley, Mike (Stacey) Shelley, Tom (Rusteen) Shelley, and Wendy (Ken) Horton; 16 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Marilyn is also survived by her siblings: Sharlene Ellsworth, and Lawanna Grant, Butch (Jodi) Ellsworth, Mike (Cindy) Ellsworth, Roger Ellsworth, and Steve (Katie) Ellsworth. In-laws Keith (Madeline) Shelley. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Vera Ellsworth, In-laws William and Hattie Shelley and Louise (Ed) Cooper, her grandson, Tyler Horton and granddaughter, Amber.

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on September 7, 1941, Marilyn was raised in Holladay, Utah. She was the second of 7 children and adored all of her siblings. Marilyn graduated from Olympus High School and attended BYU where she participated in the international dance group. She married Robert Shelley on April 17, 1964. Together, they shared more than six decades of love, adventure, and unwavering devotion. She loved Bob very much and often would declare what a good man he is.

Marilyn and Robert moved frequently in the early years of their marriage, but they eventually settled in Newbury, Ohio where they raised their five adopted children. Marilyn was a tireless and dedicated mother, working on the family farm while managing household duties and part-time jobs. Her efforts to build a life for her family were matched only by her boundless love and support for them. After all the kids were raised, Marilyn and Bob moved back to Utah to be close to family.

Marilyn was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings throughout her life. A highlight of her life was serving 2 missions in Brazil with her beloved husband, where they served the members in the Perpetual Education fund and helped oversee the donation of wheelchairs to those in need in some of the poorest regions of the country. Marilyn's deep faith and love for others were evident in every aspect of her life. She loved serving in the church and in her community. Marilyn served in the temple and at the Gale Center in South Jordan for as long as she could until her body gave out on her. Service brought her much joy.

Marilyn loved a good adventure. In her youth, her family took many fun trips, but a tradition that always brought the fun was their annual trip to Lake Powell. She loved being with her parents and siblings. They loved to laugh, play cards and have a good time.

A woman of many talents, Marilyn was a published author of 3 books. She spent 25 years writing a book before getting it published and that stands as a testament to her perseverance and passion for creative writing. She was also a gifted painter, creating beautiful landscapes that can be found in homes of many of her family and friends. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Marilyn loved to travel and kept meticulous scrapbooks documenting her journeys, which took her to many corners of the world. She had a keen eye for detail and a heart full of curiosity.

Marilyn’s resilience, creativity, and kindness were hallmarks of her character. She was a woman who embraced challenges and faced them head-on, never wavering in her commitment to those she loved. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A funeral service to celebrate Marilyn's life will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024 at the Tithing Hill Ward house at 1208 W 12400 S, Riverton, Utah at 10 a.m Friends may come to call one hour prior to the funeral. A viewing will be held the night before at the same address on Sunday, December 1, 2024 from 5-7 p.m.