Aug. 4, 1941 ~ March 27, 2024
Marilynn Ann Rickelton Whiteman passed away on March 27, 2024. She was 82 years old. Marilynn was born in Delta, Colorado, on Aug. 4, 1941, to Howard and Marjorie Rickelton. Howard soon moved to Farmington, New Mexico, where she owned a pharmacy.
Marilynn attended public school until she graduated from Farmington High School in 1959. After graduation, she attended Colorado State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in speech therapy. At CSU, Marilynn met Lynn Kenneth Whiteman, of Hayden, Colorado, and they married on June 29, 1963.
Marilynn and Lynn moved back to Lynn’s family ranch located between Craig and Hayden, Colorado, where Marilynn practiced speech therapy in the Moffat County school system. Lynn and Marilynn soon moved to a ranch in Silt, Colorado, where they had their son, Ward Alan Whiteman, in 1967. Doors opened for Lynn to go into banking in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Soon, he got the opportunity to be a part of the First National Bank in Meeker, Colorado. Later, Lynn started his real estate and appraising business in Meeker which he did for the next 30 years. Shortly after moving to Meeker, Lynn and Marilynn purchased a ranch on the Mesa three miles outside of Meeker, and in 1972, their daughter, Carol Lynne, was born. Marilynn worked for the Meeker school system as a speech therapist for the next 20 years and raised her family.
Marilynn was a devoted wife, mother, and teacher, taking care of Lynn through his battle with brain cancer, supporting her kids through all of their 4-H projects, sporting events, plays and concerts and being a faithful member of the United Methodist Church and later Grace Bible Church. For many years, she served dinner to the Meeker Lions Club at their meetings and was actively involved with the Meeker Methodist women. She was also a good friend, making meals for those in need, baking cookies for church fellowships, planning birthday parties, and faithfully praying every week with her prayer partners. Marilynn loved doting on her four grandchildren, traveling to Midland, Texas, and Arvada, Colorado, to watch her grandkids in church plays, musicals, tennis tournaments, track meets, volleyball and basketball games, and graduations. Marilynn was loved by all, having a true knack for easy conversation and a listening ear. She loved sitting on her porch sharing a cup of coffee with whomever stopped by.
Marilynn is survived by her children, Ward (Karen) of Midland, Texas; Carol Lynne of Arvada, Colorado; and her grandchildren Katherine (Mitchell) Cochran of Meeker, Logan Whiteman (Ashleigh) of Lubbock, Texas, Annalise and Emmajane Hubbard of Arvada, Colorado.
Marilynn will be deeply missed, but she was a believer in Christ, and we look forward to seeing her again in heaven. Marilynn’s Celebration of Life will be on Monday, July 8, at 11 a.m. at the White River Methodist Church in Meeker, Colorado, with a luncheon to follow. All are invited.
If you would like to make a donation in honor of Marilynn, you may give a contribution to Grace Bible Church in Meeker, Colorado, at 460 3rd St. or P.O Box 657 Meeker, CO 81641.
