Marilyn B. Bivens

Marilyn was born on December 12, 1933, in the town of Pattonsburg, Missouri. She was the oldest of three; Wendall Berry (82) was born in 1937 and Stanley Berry (80) was born in 1939. In 1951, she graduated from Maysville High School at the top of her class, achieving the distinction of Valedictorian. Just three years later, she graduated with a BA in Elementary Education at Central Missouri State, also as the Valedictorian. Finally, Marilyn received a full grant to attend the University of Denver, where she graduated in 1968 with an MA in Learning Disabilities.

After earning her BA, Marilyn became a teacher; she taught K-12 in the Albany, Missouri school district and Littleton Public Schools, being named ‘Teacher of the Year’ in 1962. Marilyn later became a special needs teacher in Cherry Creek Public Schools and later founded Willows Child Learning Centers in 1969. When she wasn’t teaching or founding new learning centers, Marilyn could be found sewing or crocheting. She was described as a determined woman, a visionary, which is obvious when viewing her accomplishments.

During her schooling, Marilyn met her soon-to-be-husband, Daryl Ray Bivens, and they were married on December 27th, 1953, in Maysville, Missouri. On January 3rd, 1955, they welcomed daughter Janice D. (Spencer) into the world and son, Paul E. on November 8th, 1960. Over the years, the Biven’s family grew, beginning with five grandchildren: Janea Lynch, Elisa Campbell, Amanda Widgery, Julie Kettelson, and Courtney Bivens. They were also blessed with nine great-grandchildren: Lilly and Sophia Lynch; Thomas, Calvin and Olivia Campbell; Brock and Eva Widgery; as well as Vivenne and Knox Kettelson. Throughout their marriage, Marilyn and Daryl lived in Albany, Missouri; Littleton, Colorado; and Parker, Colorado. Sadly, Daryl passed away late, last year, on November 24th, 2018.

Both he and Marilyn are dearly missed by their loving family.