Marilyn A. Hale

Marilyn Hale, 84 years of age, passed away February 14, 2012 in Parker, Colorado. Marilyn A. Orth Hale was born in Burlington, Iowa on March 18, 1927 to Buss and Blanche Orth. She attended West High in Waterloo, Iowa where she was allowed to graduate early in January of 1945. While there, she was a member of the Rainbow Girls where she was awarded the title of Worthy Advisor. She went on to attend Iowa State Teacher's College, where she majored in music for two years. Marilyn attended a party in November of 1943 where she met Keith Hale, her husband of 65 years, seven months, and four days. They would date and become engaged before Keith deployed with the United States Navy in June of 1944. After his discharge from the Navy, they were married at First Presbyterian Church in Waterloo, Iowa on July 10, 1946. The couple lived in various places in Iowa until relocating to Aurora, Colorado in 1989. Marilyn was always very devoted to the Presbyterian church and over the years served as a deacon, wedding coordinator, food bank volunteer, and organized activities for senior citizens. While in charge of the Covenant Cupboard at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Greenwood Village, Colorado Marilyn and Keith shopped garage sales every weekend for seven years to gather children's books. Together they donated over 20, 000 books. Marilyn was very active in charitable organizations. Marilyn's professional life was in insurance, working for Preferred Risk Insurance Corporation in Des Moines, Iowa holding the positions of head of personnel and executive secretary. In her spare time, Marilyn enjoyed square dancing and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, but her real passion was for genealogy. She was the Vice President of the Iowa Genealogical Society and the Des Moines County Genealogical Society in Burlington, Iowa. She and Keith traveled the United States and Europe visiting cemeteries and libraries during which Marilyn acquired the unique skill of witching graves. Marilyn is survived by her husband Keith Hale, sons Jon M. Hale, Terry K. Hale, and Larry W. Hale, daughter Candice ""Candy"" L. Hale Wingrove, eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death are her parents Alvin ""Buss"" William Orth and Blanche Marie Paulus Orth, son Dennis F. Hale, and one grandson. A Memorial Service for Marilyn will be held Friday, February 17, 2012 at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 11150 E. Dartmouth Avenue (at Parker Road), Aurora, Colorado. Burial at a future date at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Family requests donations be made in Marilyn's name to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105. Please share memories and leave condolences for the family by visiting the guestbook at HoranCares.com