Marilyn J. Pettit Greer

It is with great sadness that the family of Marilyn J Pettit Greer announces her unexpected passing on Saturday, December 16, 2017, at the age of 66. Marilyn was born September 18, 1951 in Palo Alto, California to Joseph Mayo and Florence Rowell (West) Pettit, and was the youngest of three children.

She grew up living on the Stanford Campus in Palo Alto and graduated from Gunn High School class of 1969. She married Michael Fred Backlund in 1971, with whom she had two children – Blake Pettit, and Christopher Scott Backlund. They resided in multiple states and an American compound in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. During the Saudi summers Marilyn would bring the boys back to visit her parents in Atlanta, Georgia where her beloved father was the highly esteemed President of Georgia Institute of Technology. They eventually landed in Ft. Collins where they raised their children.

Marilyn later married Richard (Rick) William Greer in 2002, and gained step-children Jenny Flint and Russel Greer.

Marilyn enjoyed many interest over her lifetime including world travel, horseback riding, and love for her golden retrievers, love of the mountains, fitness, running and bible study. She was an avid Rockies, Georgia Tech and Broncos fan. She especially enjoyed wildlife viewing from the deck of the beautiful house she and Rick built together.

Marilyn was particularly passionate about the sport of SCUBA diving. She became certified in 2001 in Bonaire. Marilyn shared 22 Caribbean dive trips with her husband Rick. She logged 395 dives and was looking forward to reaching her 400th dive milestone on an upcoming March trip to the Pacific. Additionally, together they enjoyed skiing and competing in local running races as well as long distance running relays.

But most of all, she enjoyed a love of God, of family and of friends. She was happiest when surrounded by her children, step-children and grandchildren, or when leading/facilitating bible study. She strove to create and maintain healthy activity-based relationships with them all and was looking forward to many more years and adventures with them. The family and her many friends around the country are mourning the loss of Marilyn - a best friend, wonderful wife, mother and grammy, sister, companion and good hearted caring soul. Her last act of love was to be an organ donor – this selfless and generous gift will give several others a chance at life.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 15 years Rick (Timnath, CO); sons: Blake (Nicole) Backlund, Delmar, NY; Chris (Amanda) Backlund, Greeley, CO; step-children: Jenny (Ryan) Flint, Layton, UT; Russel Greer, Fort Collins, CO; and seven grandchildren: Kyelar Backlund (Ault, CO); Haley, Eric and Axel Backlund (Delmar, NY); Kamryn, Aubrey and Brooklyn Flint (Layton, UT); brother Roy Pettit (Beaverton, OR); former husband and mother in law: Michael Backlund (Wellington, CO), Dorothy Backlund (Palo Alto, CA)

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents: Joseph and Florence Pettit; sister: Marjorie Wilbur (Palo Alto, CA)

Memorial services and celebration of life will be held 10 a.m. on Friday, 12/29 at Timberline Church in Fort Collins, Colorado. A reception will be held at the Church following the service. (In lieu of flowers donation to: Vietnam Veterans of America, Wounded Warrior Project, or Samaritan's Purse).