Marilyln Barton Williams Beautiful Wife and Mother

With many memories and our deepest, loving thoughts, we say "Good-Bye" to our beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, and dear friend.  Marilyn Barton Williams, age 71, passed away December 29, 2005, at St. Marks Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah from a long-term illness.  Her companion, sweetheart, and loving husband, George, was at her side.  We find great comfort in knowing we will see our sweet Marilyn again and know she will forever be in our hearts.

Marilyn was born in Los Angeles, California on April 4, 1934 to John Alvin Barton and Molly Hyde Barton.  She was their only child, and enjoyed a fun childhood filled with sports, church activities, and lots of love.  She attended Brigham Young University where she met her eternal companion.  George and Marilyn were married June 5, 1953 in the Salt Lake Temple, and recently celebrated 52 years together.  Their marriage was one of respect, devotion, admiration, playfulness, and a pure love that is very rare.

Marilyn had many talents which she shared with her family and friends, including tennis, gardening, and decorating her home for holidays and family parties.  She enjoyed watching golf and football on TV, camping and "cajoling" fish onto the line.  Her favorite outdoor memories included time spent at Henry's Lake, Big Bear, Idyllwild, and especially her play time at the beach and in the water.  No outdoor event was ever complete without Mom's trademark "Ooh and Aah" over beautiful sunsets and God's creations.

As a faithful member of the LDS church her entire life, she served in many capacities throughout the years in Stake and Ward Relief Society and Young Women's presidencies, various teaching assignments, Scouting, and as a Stake Emergency Preparedness Chairperson.  In this calling, she developed emergency procedures which were soon adopted by the city of Denver.  With George, they served missions at Temple Square and the Conference Center.

Marilyn will be remembered by her family and friends for her quick sense of humor, superb intelligence, vivid memory, kind heart, compassionate and vibrant spirit, and her great big smile.  She loved her six children beyond measure and took great pride in being a mother.  Mom's greatest love and joy was her family.

Marilyn is survived by her loving and devoted husband, George; and six children (Keith, Deb, John, David, Jennifer, Kathryn); 23 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her mother and father.

The Salt Lake Tribune, January 2, 2006