Grandma Hunter

My sweet grandma passed away a few weeks ago unexpectedly. Here is a little something I wrote to put in a memory book that my dad made. Grandma was one of the sweetest people I knew! She was also one of the most selfless people.  I can't remember a time in all my years of visiting the ranch that I ever saw grandma just sitting and relaxing.  She was always doing something for somebody whether it was cooking, cleaning, entertaining the grandkids, or all the million other things that keep a ranch up and running. Even when she was on vacation visiting us in Utah she was always asking my mom and dad if there was anything she could do to help them.  

She is such great example to me as a mother because she raised some of the best kids who absolutely adored her.  I can bet she never raised her voice and was very loving and tender.  She is also a great of example of someone who took care of herself.  I find as a mom I am constantly thinking and doing things for my kids and when I don't take the time to take care of myself everyone suffers.  Grandma always looked beautiful and polished and put together.   

The one thing that sticks in my brain and I hope to never forget is her beautiful smile and the sound of her laugh.  She had a smile that made you feel so loved and important like you were the only one in the room. She will be missed dearly but I am so grateful that we all have the knowledge of the plan of salvation.  I know that I will see her again someday and I know she is loving her time up in heaven with Scotty (her son who passed away when he was 7).

Marilyn Louise Hunter
(August 9, 1933 - January 10, 2013) 


Marilyn Louise Hunter passed away on January10, 2013, in Sun City West, Arizona. Marilyn was born on August 9, 1933, in Lovell, Wyoming, the second child of George and Zela McCaffrey. She attended Lovell High School, where she participated in a wide range of activities including student council, cheerleading and drama club. Marilyn was voted Miss Lovell High School and graduated in 1951. She attended the University of Arizona, University of Wyoming and graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in elementary education. In Chicago, she delighted in taking extensive dance training. While at Northwestern, she met her future husband, Calvin, who was a dental student at the time. Marilyn and Calvin were married on December 28, 1956. They resided in Alaska, Wyoming and then returned to Chicago for Calvin’s additional schooling. In 1963, they moved to Pueblo where he began his practice of orthodontia. They resided here for three years before moving to their ranch in Rye, where they have lived ever since. For the past 20 years they’ve enjoyed the warmer winters in Arizona. She loved the arts, music and dance and was very involved in civic and church productions, both as a participant and a choreographer. She and Calvin traveled extensively and loved being together on many trips to Europe, Asia and the continent. Marilyn was a caring and fun-loving mother whose greatest joy was being surrounded by her large family, whether it was at the ranch or on the numerous family reunions and vacations. Marilyn was active in the LDS church and lived her religion by being kind and caring to all she knew. Everyone enjoyed her friendly smile, sincere interest and warm disposition. She is survived by her loving husband, Calvin; and six of her children, Calvin (Wendy), Lori Hansen (Ray), Sandy Mason (Mike), Rod (Jamie), David (Karen) and Craig (Leigh). She also had 31 grandchildren and four great- grandchildren. She also is survived by her only sibling, Joye Marostica. Marilyn was preceded in death by her precious son, Scotty; and her parents, George Dewey McCaffrey and Zela Asay. A viewing will be held before the funeral service from 10 to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday in the Rye Ward Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 19 at the Rye Ward Chapel, Coolidge Avenue in Rye, Colorado. Interment will follow at a family plot on the Hunter ranch. Condolences may be sent to the family through Davis Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center.