Marilyn Henderson

Marilyn Joan Swift Henderson passed away peacefully, in her home, on February 3, 2026, with her eternal companion, Raymond, at her side, after a long and courageous battle against a vicious illness. As Paul of old, she fought a good fight, she finished her course, and she kept the faith.

Marilyn was born on May 16, 1936, to Loyal Milton Swift and Katherine Hedwig Reigh. She and her five other siblings (one brother and four sisters) lived through some of the great depression and learned how to be frugal and how to work hard.

She graduated from South High School, where she excelled in her classes. She loved to play the piano, and after she started working, she purchased the upright piano that is still in her home. She had a few formal lessons, but she basically taught herself how to play. She loved playing duets with her granddaughters, for whom she provided lessons. Sleigh Ride at Christmas time was a favorite.

Marilyn was a very gifted dancer and taught dance lessons for several years.

She met the love of her life, Raymond Pherrel Henderson, on a blind date, and it was love at first sight. That first date was magical, and they knew, then, that they would marry. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on November 8, 1957.

Later, they would be blessed with two children – Jeffrey and Jennifer, who brought them so much joy. Marilyn was totally devoted to her family, and she worked so hard and sacrificed her time and energy to make sure they were taken care of. She was always so proud of them.

She had many health challenges during her life, but she met them all with courage and faith, because of her determination to be there for her family and to serve them.

Ray and Marilyn loved to dance. She was such a great dancer that Ray secretly took dance lessons, so he could learn all the dance steps and keep up with her on the dance floor. They attended many dances during their life and were so talented that they were asked to perform in floor shows during the intermissions.

She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings.

Because of her love for music, she served in many ward music callings for years. She was a ward music director and chorister, choir director, and Primary music leader. She served over 25 years in the Primary, including as the President.

She was called as a counselor in the Stake Primary presidency at the age of 19.

Marilyn served valiantly as the ward Relief Society president and was also an inspiring Relief Society instructor. She also served as a counselor and as the President of the Young Women organization in the ward.

She volunteered in the PTA at East Millcreek Elementary School and enthusiastically supported the schools where Jeffrey and Jennifer attended.

Marilyn served a three-year mission as a hostess at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and loved meeting people and taking them on tours of that beautiful building. She made a lot of friends during that time and had a positive influence on the lives of the many people that she met.

She was a fantastic cook, and some of her recipes were well known, with several of them being featured at different times in the local newspapers. She loved to host dinners at their home, especially for family. She always had such beautiful dinner tables and on holidays and special occasions, she would place a small gift or treat next to each person’s plate.

Christmas was such a magical time for the children and grandchildren, as she would spend hours finding just the right gift for each person and wrapping every gift by herself. Her generosity at Christmas time was only exceeded by her love for the Savior and each member of her family. She loved giving of her time, means, and talents to all who knew her.

Marilyn had a love for reading and a desire to continue learning. She read both major newspapers each day from cover to cover and was a member of a book club for 50 years.

She had a deep and abiding testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and His Atonement and of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. She recognized and heeded the promptings of the Holy Ghost on many occasions, saving Jennifer from certain death on one occasion.

Family was her focus, and the greatest love in life was her husband, Ray, and her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She and Ray never missed a ball game, performance, recital or important event of their children and grandchildren until it became too difficult in their later years.

She will be greatly missed, and there will be a huge void in the Henderson family, the neighborhood, and the ward with her passing.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her mother and father; siblings - Milton (Peggy) Swift, Lucille (Kenneth) Tolpingrud, Bernice (Ted) Watts, Eleanor (George) Pierce, Patricia Jensen; Niece - Jacqueline Jensen.

She is survived by her eternal companion, Raymond Pherrel Henderson, Son - Jeffrey Ray (Deeann) Henderson, Daughter - Jennifer Joan (David) Bagley, and six grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

The family would like to express appreciation to those who provided nursing and hospice care for their kindness and attentive service to Marilyn.

A visitation will be held for family and friends on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary on 3401 South Highland Drive.

The funeral service will commence at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary.

Interment will be in the Sunrise section of Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.