Marilyn Kay Himes Clawson was born March 22, 1945 to John Elmer Himes and Grayce Roubal Himes in Yuma, CO. The youngest of five children. She passed away August 19, 2023 at the Washington County nursing home in Akron, CO.
Marilyn grew up 25 miles south of Yuma on the Himes Ranch, with a never ending love of animals. Her Pinto saddle horse, “Boots” in particular, this love carried throughout her lifetime. As her health declined her cats and dogs were her best support.
She began her education at Mildred School located north of the ranch. After a couple of years those small rural schools consolidated and she attended Yuma Schools. However, life got in the way, but later she was quite proud of getting her G.E.D. from NJC in Sterling, CO.
Marilyn’s first marriage took her to Shelby, Mt, where she worked as a waitress and he on a harvest crew. Their marriage ended in divorce and back to the ranch and Abarr Community she went. And this is when she met the neighbor to the north and love of her life.
Benjamon J. Clawson and Marilyn were married January 7, 1968 at the home of Cyril (Sonny) and Donna Jackson Jarrett. This year they celebrated 55 years together. Marriage brought children, Christine Michelle, Benjamin Joseph, William Matthew, Bernard J. and Miranda Danice. They together raised pigs, bottle fed calves and all that goes with farm and ranching. Their off the farm work included custom barn work and the Clawson Tree Service. All the while Marilyn is raising kids, cooking, gardening and running the household. Summers were very busy. Her teenage niece and nephews came to live and work, Diana, Pat and Ronnie Himes.
Marilyn loved to travel, after a hard and busy summer they went on many trips, load the kids and hit the road. Worlds Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee, Yellowstone Park and many places near and far. Along the way she collected rocks from everywhere. She also loved elephants and had a cabinet full on display in her kitchen. Marilyn kept a journal. Never missed a day of writing in it until her health condition persisted.
Thirty years ago she was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. Her breast was removed and underwent a year long regiment of chemo and mega doses of radiation. She came through it and did quite well for years. The last four years her health began to decline. The contributing factor may have been as a result of the radiation back then, but it added years to her life that she would not of had.
Family was everything to her, both immediate and extended. Later years she and Ben took into foster care three great nieces, Victoria, Heather and Tiffany Himes Sprouse. Around the same time period they legally adopting their grand daughter Miranda.
Marilyn is survived by her husband, two daughters and two sons, one sister Darlene Himes Boe, daughter in law Edna Clawson, grandchildren, great grand children and many nieces, nephews and greats.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, one infant son Bernard J, three brothers Barney, Jim and Dale, sister in laws Betty Jo Turner Himes, Betty Ann Jarrett Himes, and Glenna Himes, brother in law Jerry Boe, several nephews and nieces.
A memorial service was held August 26, 2023 at the First Church of the Nazarene, officiating Pastor Dave Martelle. Ashes will be scattered at Marilyn’s request.
2023-09-22