Marilyn Louise Montemayor, amazing cook, family therapist, teacher, friend, doctor, mom, grandmother, gm, nana, aunt, great aunt, sister, wife, faithful servant of God, left our earthly world to join her heavenly family, on September 12, 2016, with family and friends by her side, in her home.
Marilyn was born to Thelma and John Delmas Drennon, on October 24, 1943. She has one sister, Delores Stewart. Thelma passed from cancer when Marilyn was just 15 years old and John Delmas passed in 1974.
Marilyn met the love of her life, Frank Montemayor Jr, in junior high school. They dated throughout high school and attended all the dances that Wyandotte High School hosted. Marilyn sang in many choirs and was very active in the orchestra-playing violin. In the 50’s Marilyn and Frank also regularly attended the youth dance club, Teen Town at the American Legion, post 188. They both graduated from Wyandotte High School in May 1961. Frank and Marilyn were married on April 20, 1962. They started a family right away with the birth of Frank III, John, and Monica.
Being a devoted mother, Marilyn was very active in all of her children’s lives. She was an active member of the PTA and held several officer position; she also received the PTA Lifetime Member Award. Marilyn was also a room mother for 16 years at Rushton Elementary School where she often volunteered.
In addition to her children, Marilyn has 7 nephews, 1 niece, 8 great-nephews, 4 great-nieces, 1 great-great-nephew, and 4 great-great-nieces. Aunt Marilyn always made each niece or nephew feel like they were the favorite and that’s because her heart was big enough to love them all. Marilyn became an aunt for the first time at the age of 3, so she grew up with her older nephews.
Frank and Marilyn bought their cabin at Lazy Acres, Edwards, MO in 1964, and in 1967 they bought their home in Mission, KS. Marilyn hosted many celebrations at both of her homes. Many family and friends visited the cabin, where she was always an amazing host. She cooked tacos and other delicious treats for some of their lake friends for over 50 years. In, 2006 Marilyn, her friend Teri Pearl and Monica Roy started the Annual Gill’s Weekends; this fun weekend was for girls only, where she was always the life of the event. Marilyn spent a lot of times laughing, helping the younger Gill’s with life, and reminding everyone not to drink too much.
She was the mom that every one wanted- then she became a grandmother to Stephen, Jake, Kevin, and Kyle Montemayor, along with Chase and Shelby Roy. Marilyn’s grandchildren could not find a better supporter, friend, confidant, doctor, financial advisor, cookie maker, shopper, homework helper, and cooking teacher; plus she almost always took their side if Papa was upset with them. She prayed daily that each of them would have a good relationship with God and become good people. She was a huge part in each of their lives; hosting sleepovers, providing daycare, and occasionally giving pointers to their parents. The grandchildren family and friends know her as Nana. She blessed each of them in different ways and they all have, had unique experiences with her. Over the years, Marilyn had a few jobs outside of the home but her main occupation was to be an amazing wife, mother, and grandmother; she excelled at all.
After Frank retired from P.I.E. and U.S.P.S. they went on several trips. Their favorite trips were the ones that they took with Marilyn’s sister Delores and brother-in-law Russell. Before GPS maps and smart phones they had many stories of getting lost and being on the wrong side of town. They also enjoyed going to the dog races and then the casinos often referred to as “the boats.” when they came. None of them spent very much money or won a whole lot, but they ate several free meals and they always had a whole lot of fun, and they always had great stories to tell when they returned home.
In 2011 Marilyn was diagnosed with terminal non-alcohol cirrhosis. She was blessed to receive a liver donation on December 26, 2011; just 11 days after being put on the list to receive a liver. This life saving donation and operation at KU gave Marilyn almost 5 more years in our earthly world. The first 4 years were almost flawless. She progressed from taking 42 pills a day to only taking 2 pills a day by January of 2016. At this time, Marilyn had a clogged duct in her liver and the doctors found the lung cancer that ended her journey way too soon. She put up a good fight, and during this time she taught Papa how to cook. She also watched a lot of Royals Baseball, Family Feud and cartoons preferably Tom and Jerry.
We started hospice care on August 31 and Frankie and Johnny both came to town. We had several good days but Marilyn was growing weaker. Delores was part of our regular night shift sitting with us the last few nights and we called it our sleepovers. She talked with dear friends Tinker and Bev almost daily. Kirsten and Robin kept us fed with assistances from many others. The five of us took on our roles as caregivers. There were good times and not so good times.
Many of you may wonder why she was so private about her cancer? Marilyn didn’t want people to feel sorry for her or pity her, so we honored her wishes the best we could. She was very content with her life and had no fear of death. She said that she had raised her children and grandchildren and had a good life. She is now at peace and pain free. When you told her you loved her she answered back with I love you more!
In honor of Marilyn, a Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30am Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the First Baptist Church of Mission, 5641 Outlook St, Mission, KS 66202. Marilyn’s family invites you to continue the celebration over lunch at Saint Pius X Catholic Church Hall 5500 Woodson Rd, Mission, KS 66202. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the M.L. Montemayor Memorial Fund c/o Bank of Prairie Village 3515 W. 75th. Suite 100, Prairie Village, KS 66208. The memorial funds will benefit a charitable organization in remembrance of Marilyn’s servitude, chosen by her immediate family. Please consider registering with your local donate for life and become an organ donor.
