Marilyn Terpenning

We announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother, and friend, Marilyn Raye Terpenning.  Marilyn passed away at the age of 83 on Wednesday, May 19th, 2021 in Lafayette, CO.  She was born Marilyn Raye Miller on October 15th, 1937 in Clarinda, Iowa, a small southwestern town near the borders of Missouri and Nebraska; a town also known as the birthplace of big band great Glenn Miller (no relation).  She was the second of four children - however the only daughter.  She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Her family moved to Denver, CO in 1955, where she met the love of her life, Harry Terpenning, Jr., known to most everyone as Junior or Red.  They were married January 20th, 1957 in Denver.  They remained married, in love and inseparable until Harry's passing January 29th, 2017; a marriage that spanned 60 years.  After discovering they were not able to have children of their own, they decided to adopt.  Their adopted children, David in 1961 and Lisa in 1964, never considered themselves as being adopted.  Harry and Marilyn were their dad and mom.  They provided a wonderful home and childhood for them.  They lived in Denver until 1973 when they bought and moved into their forever home in Lakewood, CO.

Marilyn was a homemaker, and she excelled in that role.  In addition, she loved to sew, cook and baby sit.  She poured her heart and soul into that babysitting role - not only for her grandchildren, but also many friends and neighborhood kids as well.  One in particular, Michael Phenicie, held a special place in her heart.

The family didn't do much traveling other than a very memorable vacation to DisneyLand in 1969 and a few early summer trips to see Marilyn's family in Iowa.  They were homebodies.  TV watching and movie collecting were big hobbies and pastimes.  But their home was always warm and welcoming.  Many card games, board games, and the family favorite game "Marbles," (played on a homemade marble board), were played hundreds of times over many years.  It was the gathering place.

She is survived by her son David Terpenning (wife Sheryl); her daughter Lisa Terpenning; and her grandchildren Janna (fiancé Quinn) and Daniel.  She is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.  We will all miss her infectious laugh and smile.

Marilyn will be laid to rest privately on Tuesday, June 1st, 2021 at Fort Logan National Cemetery, next to her husband.  A memorial/celebration service will take place Tuesday, July 27th, 2:00PM at Horan & McConaty, 7577 W. 80th Ave, Arvada, CO  80003.