Marilyn Gladys Workman, 83, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2020 in Yuma, Colorado. Marilyn was born on April 10, 1937 to Reinhold Jessen and Rose (Cook) Jessen of Yuma. She attended many area country schools that her mother Rose taught amongst. As a youngster she was a member of the Gold Star 4-H Club, winning many awards with her dairy animals. She attended Yuma High School, graduating in 1954. Marilyn then went on to the University of Northern Colorado where she would receive her Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education in 1958.
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Marilyn dedicated her life to the education of youth in many different settings. It was when she began her career at Lone Star School that she found her lifelong love and husband Duane Workman, a fellow educator. Over their careers, they would teach in Wyoming, Colorado, and Arizona. The two most notable positions were at Dove Creek schools in southwestern Colorado and the Navajo Nation Reservation schools in Chinle, Arizona. Marilyn and Duane had a fondness for the Navajo Reservation, its people, and culture. They were collectors of Navajo art and this may have begun their love for rockhounding. After retiring, the couple returned to Yuma, Colorado where their families resided.
In retirement, Marilyn did not end her dedication to public service. She served as a member of the Yuma Library Board and was a very active participant of the Yuma Library. She volunteered in the Yuma schools, was a member of the Prairieview Ladies Aid, the Methodist Church, and was a volunteer for The Meals on Wheels program just to list a few.
Her many hobbies included golf, bowling, reading, supporting local athletics, woodworking, and traveling. Marilyn’s love of golf would find her playing in ladies, senior, and couples golf leagues. Marilyn and Duane could often be spotted in the stands of YHS athletic activities supporting local athletes. Many family members would be recipients of a woodworking project she created. Traveling with the Pinnacle Club took her on many excursions across the United States. One of her most memorable trips was to Alaska, and she was even witnessed riding an ATV through Denali National Park.
Marilyn had such a kind soul. Friends and family alike have nothing but fond memories of her throughout her life. She definitely left this world a better place by her service and contributions.
Marilyn is survived by her beloved dog Molly; 1st cousins Neva Norling of CA, Caren Sleeper of CA, Joan Trautman, Arlene Glenn, and Ardith Dickson all of Yuma, CO; Nieces Sylvia Lovell and family of Yuma, CO and Susanne Workman and family of Fleming, CO; and so many dear friends and extended family. She is preceded in death by her husband Duane, parents Reinhold and Rose, and a host of cousins and friends.
Funeral services were held at Baucke Funeral Home in Yuma on October 20, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. Interment followed at Yuma Cemetery. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.
2020-10-22