Marilyn J. Harrison

She was born Marilyn Jane Ringler on April 27th, 1931 in Three Rivers, Michigan, to Cecil and Mary Ringler, both educators. She was raised in Chesaning, Michigan, a small town in the central part of the state. She was the middle child of 3 girls.

Next came 4 years at Michigan State University where she graduated with a degree in Fine Arts. While in college, she was active in theater, marching band and received national recognition for her work with Future Homemakers of America.

Unlike her siblings, who remained in Michigan, she wanted to see the world and moved to the big city of Chicago. This spirit of adventure and embracing new challenges would be a hallmark of her life. She worked in theater before answering an ad to become one of the first stewardesses for TWA. Based initially in Kansas City, she jumped at the opportunity to transfer to the cosmopolitan city of San Francisco.

She met her husband at the Oakland/Alameda Naval Air Station Officers Club. She was married to Robert Arthur Harrison in Carmel, California in 1955 following his 5-year stint as a Navy pilot. They had 3 sons together - Douglas, Patrick and David. Robert took a job with IBM which led to a series of moves about the country - San Francisco, New York, Denver, Seattle and Los Angeles before choosing to settle the family in Denver.

Besides raising 3 boys, Marilyn did a multitude of things such as teaching school, assembling microwave ovens in a GE factory, modeling, and was instrumental in the development of Denver’s Larimer Square. She went to Design school and became an Interior Designer, something she did well into her 80’s. In her final years, she still enjoyed decorating her home, arranging flowers and making small crafts as gifts for friends and neighbors. A true patriot, loyal friend and lover of all things outdoors, tennis, garage sales, Marilyn even skied even into her ‘80’s.

She exuded grace and a generous spirit, evident to all she met. Through many sorrows that life brings, it was her beautiful following of Christ that was the transcendent and life-permeating feature of her life.

Marilyn is survived by 2 sons - Douglas Alan Harrison and Patrick Robert Harrison (Sarah) of Centennial, Colorado; 2 grandsons - Dylan Robert Harrison (Katelyn) and Gavin William Harrison of Centennial, Colorado; and 3 great-grandchildren - Jude Patrick Harrison, Georgeanna Anne Harrison and Rita Jane Harrison of Centennial, Colorado. Her sister Barbara Bugbee lives in Frankfurt, MI.

She is predeceased by her husband, Robert Arthur Harrison (1988) and her son, David Emmet Harrison (2012), her daughter in law Anne J. Harrison (2001) and her sister, Cecilia Wenzlick.

A celebration of her life and memory will be at The Downing House, 3680 S. Downing St, Englewood, on Tuesday March 26th at 1pm.

Donations can be made on her behalf to the charity of your choice.