Marilyn Ruth Bouma

Marilyn Ruth Bouma passed away peacefully on July 24, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. She is survived by her sister Judy Posthumus, her daughters, Lori Lugg, Julie Bell, Bonnie Schlieker and son Dirk Bouma. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, 1 nephew, 2 nieces and 2 great grandchildren.

Marilyn was born on May 21, 1937 and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She attended Grand Rapids Christian High School and was an excellent student, so much so, her teachers suggested she be given aptitude tests. She played softball for the Grand Rapid Red Wings which was an up and coming “League of Their Own” curriculum for young women at the time. In addition to sports, Marilyn was also an accomplished clarinetist and marched with the band in the Holland, Michigan Tulip Festival.

Marilyn attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for two years. She was studying for a sports teaching degree where she met Donald Bouma, and the rest was history. Marilyn and Don married on August 22, 1958 and moved to Denver Colorado in 1965. Marilyn was very involved in her children’s lives. She supported all 4 of her children in a multitude of activities and sporting events which included swimming, cross country, soccer, citywide band, and choir, to name a few.

Amongst all these activities Marilyn, worked at Target for 25 years and gained many friends there. She even had the opportunity to meet Red Skelton while she was working at Target. When she wasn’t working or herding children to multiple activities, she participated in church programs like Sunday school and bible study and also year-round bowling leagues.

A life well lived.

A visitation for Marilyn will be held Friday, August 4, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery, 8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhampdenmortuary.com for the Bouma family.