Marilyn Jean Pankey

Marilyn Jean Pankey, 94, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, in Pueblo, CO. She was born November 18, 1931, in Trinidad, CO, to Dave and Margaret (Marg) Mathieson. Her family eventually moved to Pueblo, where she graduated from Central High School in 1949 and attended Pueblo Junior College.

Marilyn was a familiar face in the community, having worked at Whitman’s Drug Store for 26 years. She often jokingly referred to herself as the “oldest Soda Jerk” in Pueblo.

Family was the true heart of Marilyn’s life. She was the ultimate fan for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to cheer them on at rodeo, wrestling, football, track, gymnastics, hockey, and soccer events. Her creative spirit shone through her hobbies; she was talented at sewing cowboy shirts and holiday costumes, embroidering, and painting figurines. Most recently, she spent time coloring pictures as special Christmas gifts for each member of her family. In the summer, Marilyn could always be found tending to her beautiful rose beds.

Christmas was her favorite time of year. She took immense pride in decorating her tree—a process that took days—and everyone knew the ornaments had a designated spot that was not to be disturbed. Her popcorn balls and gingerbread men were legendary, and this past Christmas, she lovingly "passed the torch" of these traditions to the younger generation.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Cheryl Saucedo of Canon City, CO, Roy Lynn Pankey of Lamar, CO, Pam (Mike) Crofts of Evanston, WY, Tim (Becky) Pankey of Pueblo, CO, and James (Brenda) Pankey of Bernalillo, NM. Her legacy continues through her ten grandchildren, Melissa Devine, Michael (April) Saucedo, Tanner Pankey, Lana Ortiz, William (Shaunna) Pankey, John Pankey, Thomas (Marie) Pankey, Marisa (Jimmy) Carrillo, Daniel Pankey, and Clayton Pankey. She is also survived by her twenty-two great-grandchildren, Mason Devine, Isabel Devine, Chloe Saucedo, Jase Saucedo, Lane Saucedo, Cade Pankey, Gaige Pankey, Kortnee Valdez, Matthew Lucero, Henry Ortiz, Skylar Pankey, Scarlett Pankey, John Pankey Jr., Jacob Pankey, Ethan Pankey, Gus Pankey, Lewis Pankey, Eliana Carrillo, and Sofia Carrillo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dave and Margaret Mathieson, her sister, Joan Tindle, and her brother, Robert Mathieson. She is also reunited with her daughter-in-law, Terri Pankey, and her grandson, Patrick Lucero.

Family gravesite services will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Imperial Memorial Gardens in Pueblo, CO. A celebration of life and family reunion will follow on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Canon City, CO.