Marie Urban

Marie Urban was born on September 13, 1935 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Jewel Lafayette Herndon and Jewel Pauline (Bratton) Herndon. Her early childhood was filled with special memories of adventures on the family farm on Bird Creek. Eventually, the family moved into town across the street from a park. At that park, she met the love of her life, Jim. Their first date was to go swimming, but she did not know that Jim could not swim. Marie worried he might drown that day! The situation must have drawn them together because it was love and adventures after that for 67 years of marriage until Jim's death March 4, 2022.

Marie graduated from high school in Tulsa and married Jim on March 13, 1954 when she was 18 years old. The young married couple lived in Tulsa and had their first daughter, Rhonda Kay (Urban) Snyder. They moved to Denver, Colorado so Jim could work with his brothers in the construction painting business and then he became a real estate agent. Marie was a wonderful homemaker. They had another daughter, Janie Marie (Urban) Stephens, then had 3 sons: James Andrew Urban, Jonathan Robert Urban and Kenneth Charles Urban. There was a spread of time between the first 3 and the last 2, so it was almost like she raised two sets of children. Yet, she made sure her family all loved and watched out for each other.

Marie was the most wonderful mother to 5 children, 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She loved tennis, even teaching tennis at a local community center. She loved painting, floral arranging, and playing her baby grand piano. Marie loved gardening and shared her great bounty with countless family, neighbors and friends. She especially enjoyed growing different kinds of lettuce. Everyone loved her perfect oatmeal cookies and Thanksgiving turkey gravy. She found great joy in loving and giving to others. Most of all, she loved her family.

Marie was raised in a Christian home. She was a devoted follower of Jesus, her Lord and Savior. Her parents preceded her in death. She loved her siblings so much. Her two brothers preceded her in death: Russell and Bill. Their wives survive: Tona and Thelma. Her sisters survive her including June (Gerald) Pickering and (Jay) Peevy, Linda (Al) Bankston. Her younger sisters and husbands survive her including: Christy Westbook (Mel), and Cheryl (Jerrel) Venable. As well as her brother-in-law, Jerome (Jerry) Urban, (Vicki).

Marie and Jim attended Calvary Temple, Faith Bible Chapel and ended as members of Red Rocks Baptist Church in Lakewood, CO. Marie loved to hear scripture and sing hymns. She did so until 2 days before her death.

After Jim's death, Marie was moved to Ridge Pinehurst Memory Care Center. She suffered from dementia that mainly affected her short term memory and caused imaginations. It was hard, yet, the family was thankful she did not have any physical pain. The Lord took her quickly due to complications of a stroke. Family had the opportunity to say goodbye and were gathered around her bedside until she passed peacefully.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent in Marie's memory to:

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, www.billygraham.org/give

A visitation for Marie will be held Monday, April 3, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Crown Hill, Chapel of Peace,7777 W. 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033. Service will follow. A reception will occur at Crown Hill, Heritage Building on Monday, April 3rd at noon. Burial service will occur at 2:30 PM.

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