Marilyn Ririe Boots

Marilyn Ririe Boots, 87, of Star Valley Ranch Wyoming, died at home on Friday, July 28th, after a long struggle with diabetes. Marilyn was born in Logan, Utah, on September 17th, 1935, to the late Walter Fielding Ririe and Estel (Hyer) Ririe. Descended from Mormon pioneers who crossed the plains, Marilyn was a lifelong and dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. As the third of five daughters, Marilyn had an idyllic childhood and often expressed her gratitude and love for her parents’ examples of faith and service to others in the Church and community.

While a student at Brigham Young University, she was riding in a car on State Street in Provo when a group of fellow students, “boys from Idaho,” pulled up next to them. One of those “boys,” Will Boots, was smitten with her. During their courtship, they enjoyed attending sporting events together, hiking, playing tennis, and driving in the canyons. Will once said he married Marilyn because she was the only girl who could hike and make it to the top of the mountain with him.

They married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on August 27th, 1957. Marilyn graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Nursing. She worked as a full-time nurse at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake while Will completed his studies.

Marilyn loved music. She played clarinet in her high school marching band and enjoyed playing the piano all her life. When her children were having a difficult time getting out of bed in the morning (which was most mornings), Marilyn would go to the living room piano and play and sing as loudly as she could, “Rise and shout the Cougars are out!” (BYU Fight Song) to wake them. Sometimes it worked.

Marilyn and Will raised their children in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Many dear, life-long relationships were made during this special time. While there, her Church service included serving as Relief Society president twice, the Stake Young Women’s presidency, and the Stake Relief Society presidency. Marilyn had an amazing capacity and desire to serve others in her community as well. She was a volunteer hospice worker, delivered food through “Meals on Wheels,” and assisted as a nurse at the Oklahoma Children’s Shelter. She enjoyed attending Oklahoma Sooner football games with Will and friends.

Marilyn and her husband served a two-year stake mission in the Thayne Stake, where they prepared and attended all missionary baptisms and assisted missionaries with new converts.

In addition to her parents, Marilyn was predeceased by her siblings, Diane Ririe (who passed away at age 7) and Gerri Whiting.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 66 wonderful years. She is also survived by her children, Cheryl (Ron) Lawson, Dennis (Christy) Boots, Jay (Tina) Boots, and her sisters, Loretta Stark and Carol Hiatt.

Marilyn was an extraordinary grandma and deeply loved, nurtured, and cared for her grandchildren. She taught them the Gospel of Jesus Christ by example. They are Holly (Gavin) Rogers, Cory James, Lindsey Nicole, and Jolie Christina Boots. Marilyn’s first great-grandchild is due in October. Holly and Gavin will name her Remi Lyn. “Lyn” in honor and remembrance of Grandma Boots.

The Boots Family wishes to thank all those who have so kindly and lovingly cared for them, especially their dear friends and neighbors of Star Valley Ranch and the medical/hospice team, for their excellent care.

A graveside service will be held at Lewiston City Cemetery, 1000 E Ctr St Lewiston, UT, on Saturday, August 5th at 12:oo pm. All are invited to attend.

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