Maralyn M. Hess

Maralyn M. Hess, 88, passed away March 1, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. She was born September 10, 1923 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Arden B. and Laura Pearl Cowley Olsen. Maralyn was almost born in the side car of a motorcycle, as that was the only mode of transportation her father had when he rushed her mother to the hospital. Maralyn had one younger brother, Leon. When she was 7 years old, her family moved to Berkeley, California, while her father pursued his education. This was during the depression, and her family was very poor financially. But so were all her friends, so they never knew they were poor. After her father graduated, the family moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, where they remained for 6 years. These were traumatic years, as Maralyn's mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and was very sick until she died when Maralyn was 13 years old. Her father soon remarried and she and her brother were fortunate to have a wonderful, caring stepmother, Grace. In 1942 Maralyn's family moved to Denver and she has lived here ever since. She finished her college education at DU, graduating in 1945 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. In 1946, Maralyn was called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Eastern States Mission for 20 months. In 1950 Maralyn met and married Russell M Hess in the Logan, Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were blessed with three wonderful children, David, Richard, and Lynn. Her husband worked for United Airlines and they had the opportunity to travel to many parts of the world. Her car license plate described her well, ""LUVTGO."" She also loved to learn new things and was constantly reading. The library in her house had over 1, 000 books. About 5 years ago, Maralyn fell and broke her hip. After recovering from that, she fell and shattered her other hip. The recovery from that surgery was more difficult and she soon moved into an assisted living home where she has lived for the past three and a half years. During that time the ravages of old age started taking over as her memory slowly faded. It was during this time that the love her children had for her greatly increased as they were able to serve her and watch her endure to the end with dignity and valor. During this time she always expressed appreciation to visitors and her caregivers and frequently expressed her love. Her sweetness and great sense of humor during this time shone very brightly and she frequently had a big smile on her face. Sometimes her family wondered why the Lord was keeping her here on this earth. In reflection it is very plain that she lit up the lives of those that were with her, and it gave those that served her great pleasure. Even in her state of forgetfulness, God had a noble purpose in keeping her here on earth. Maralyn was preceded in death by her husband Russell M. Hess, her brother Leon Olsen, and her daughter-in-law, Kathleen Hess. She is survived by her three children, David R. Hess, Richard A. Hess and J. Lynn Heyworth; 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, from 9:30am-10:40am, followed by the Funeral service that will begin at 11:00am. The viewing and service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2710 S. Monaco Parkway (Yale & Monaco), Denver, CO 80224. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery. Memorial donations are welcome to any charity of your choosing. To share memories of Maralyn and condolences with her family, please use the ""sign guestbook"" tab below.