Marilyn Rae Moncrief was born in Elwood, Nebraska on April 19, 1931, to Raymond
William Moncrief and Esther Marie Morris of Elwood. She had five siblings; Wanda, Delores, Kenneth, Judy and Carol Moncrief.
Marilyn grew up in Sterling and attended Sterling High School and graduated with the Class of 1949. While pursuing her high school diploma, she enjoyed serving as the editor of her high school yearbook and wrote a social column in the school newspaper where she offered advice to fellow classmates. She met Dallas Dean Pate while in high school and they were later married on July 1, 1949, in Logan County. They lived in both Fleming and Sterling, and had two daughters, Pamela Kay and Vickie Rae. Dallas passed away in an accident in Pine Bluff Wyoming in 1952.
Marilyn married John L. Campbell on July 11, 1954, in Leadville, Colorado. They lived in Iliff, Colorado where John farmed on the Miller Farm and raised cattle. Marilyn was a homemaker, and they had three more children: Michael, Darcy, and Jay Campbell. The family moved to Wray, Colorado in 1968 in order to farm for Pete Selby near Vernon, where John Campbell and Chuck Matthews created the Campbell & Matthews Corporation.
Marilyn loved the Wray community and participated in several organizations. She taught Sunday school at the Wray United Methodist Church for many years and cooked for funeral dinners. Her love of reading led her to become a founding member of the Wray Wreaders, where she appreciated book discussions with community members. Marilyn was a passionate and devoted bridge player and enjoyed the challenge the game presented. She was also an avid golfer.
After completing her Dietary Management Course from the University of North Dakota, she served as the Dietary Manager at Cedardale Nursing Home for 20 years. Marilyn received praise for her cooking and in particular for her cinnamon rolls, some of which made it across the ocean to family members. She appreciated her coworkers at Cedardale, many of whom would become friends for life. After her Cedardale experience, Marilyn worked at the Wray Senior Center for 10 years where she again made friends and received much love and support. She was renowned for her chocolate chip cookies, pies, cabbage rolls and canned peaches.
In addition to work and community activities, Marilyn passed ground school in aviation and learned how to fly solo. She traveled extensively in the United States with her husband, John, and enjoyed trips across the country.
Guided by a strong belief in wellness and mental health, Marilyn served on the Centennial Mental Health Board. She saw this service as central to the community.
Above all, Marilyn believed in and focused on family; for her, family was the most important piece of her life. She was the hub of the wheel, the spirit that brought the family together. The joy she showed while in the presence of grandchildren was especially apparent; she treasured them with her whole heart.
Friends and family knew that she made the world a better place, was generous with her love, and listened with her entire self.
2021-12-02