Marilyn Eagles, 82, died at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, on March 17th, surrounded by family. She was born in Denver, Colorado, the daughter of Charles and Maxine Burton. She was raised in Denver, alongside her three siblings, and their tight-knit family. Marilyn never met a stranger and brightened every room she walked into with her caring and loving spirit. She loved nothing more than to be surrounded by her family and friends, ensuring a kitchen that smelled of fresh baked sweets and homemade meals. She kept chickens, had several flower gardens, as well as a large vegetable garden and worked hard to freeze the garden bounty. She was a willing farming partner and was often called upon for numerous errands and tasks. Marilyn was an amazing, loving Grandma, who was always available to care for young grandchildren or attend numerous activities, alongside an enthusiastic Grandpa.
Marilyn graduated from West High School in 1959. In the same year, she started Nursing school at St. Lukes Hospital, where she becomes class president, and earning the title of “that certain smile”. After attaining her RN, in 1962, she got a job working at St. Luke’s Hospital, carrying out her lifelong passion to help others. Her most important patient came to be her husband, Dick Eagles, who was recovering from a critical automobile accident and Marilyn was his ICU nurse. Once recovered from his accident, Dick bought Marilyn a bus ticket to the San Luis Valley, with a goal to turn the city girl into a farm girl. Marilyn married the love of her life and former patient, on December 7, 1963 at Brentwood United Methodist Church in Denver. Marilyn jumped right into the farming lifestyle, building a beautiful life together, on their homestead in Center, CO. Dick and Marilyn were married nearly 60 wonderful years, and proudly raised their two children, Julie and BJ. They were overjoyed to be grandparents and fully loved and supported Nolan, Skylar, Lindsey, and Elle in every way.
Marilyn was a devoted homemaker and continued to carry out her nursing passion, by being a relief nurse for Dr Haskin, in Center. She also volunteered as a camp nurse, at Beaver Creek Camp in South Fork. Marilyn truly was the hardest worker around, keeping up with kids, gardening, helping however she could on the farm and being the #1 boom driver, for potato harvest. She ensured that her family had homecooked meals every day and a bottomless cookie jar. Marilyn and Dick also raised sheep, which is how Marilyn eventually earned the title of Grandma Lammy.
Marilyn was well respected in her community where she was very involved in the United Methodist Church in Center, serving several times in leadership roles as well as being in the church choir. The church was widely known for the annual Christmas Bazaar, where Marilyn helped to create wreaths, centerpieces and provided homemade cinnamon rolls, cookies and caramels for the event. She was also involved in the Women’s Federation for many years. In addition, Marilyn volunteered many years at the Center Schools, assisting with vision and hearing screenings and other events. Marilyn was awarded Master Farm Homemaker on October 10th, 1992.
Marilyn was overjoyed to have four amazing grandchildren that she constantly supported, by never missing the opportunity to always cheer them on at all phases of life. Whether it was early age artwork, sports, school, and wherever life has taken them, she was always their #1 fan. Even offering to be references on resumes so she could tell everyone how special her grandkids are. She was also overjoyed to hear that the first great grandchild would be arriving in September.
Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Maxine Burton, and her husband Dick Eagles, alongside with many special friends. She is survived by her daughter Julie and husband Troy Baker, son BJ Eagles and partner Amanda Stagner; four grandchildren, Nolan and wife Shelby Baker, Skylar Eagles, Lindsey and husband Alex Trujillo, and Elle Eagles. Siblings Larry (Suzanne) Burton, Linda (Dan) Hutchison, Allen (Nancy) Burton and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral church service will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 10:00 am at the Center Methodist Church. A reception will follow to culminate Marilyn’s celebration of life after the church service.
Interment will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 10:00 am at the San Luis Valley Cemetery in Monte Vista, CO
Arrangements are made through Strohmayer’s Funeral Home, in Monte Vista, Colorado. Flowers can be received there until Friday, March 22, at 4 PM.
Memorial contributions can be made to: Center United Methodist Church or Children’s Diabetes Foundation, through Strohmayer’s Funeral Home.