Marilyn Waldschmidt

Marilyn Rose Waldschmidt, of Fruita, CO slipped peacefully into the arms of the Good Shepherd on July 26, 2026.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Marilyn and Bernie, who preceded her in death in 2017, will be celebrated on Friday October 9, 2026 at St. Mary's Catholic Church - Ellis at 10:00 AM burial will follow the mass in Mt. Hope Cemetery - Ellis.

Marilyn was born to Ralph and Eunice Loflin on December 11, 1933. She and her five sisters grew up on the family farm and she shared stories of traveling to a one-room school house in the back of a horse-drawn hay wagon driven by her father, covered in goose-down quilts made by her mother.

Marilyn learned how to sew from her mother and was a skilled seamstress. She created school clothes for her girls, as well as clothes for their dolls, and blankets and quilts for her grandchildren.

Marilyn attended Ellis High School, where she met the love of her life, Bernie Waldschmidt. Bernie and Marilyn were married in Ellis, KS on January 5, 1952 and they cherished 65 years of marriage and love together.

Many blessings joined their union; including children, Steve (Robin), Dan (Joy), Sue, Sherry (Larry), Donna (Dan); eleven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren who affectionately called her GG.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Sonny (15 months), sisters; Eileen, Margaret, Helen, infant grandson, Michael, and her beloved husband Bernie in 2017.

Marilyn was a voracious reader. She frequented the library weekly, listened to audio books on long car trips, and went through two Kindles! She loved to solve crossword puzzles, and took great pride in her flower garden and outdoor Christmas decorations. She was well known for her Thursday night fried chicken dinners with white gravy, home made ice cream, cherry pies, cucumber salad and holiday treats. She enjoyed puzzles, Wahoo, but most of all she loved playing Pinochle. Her daughters would put her on the “Pouty Porch” when she lost. However, her greatest pride and joy were her family and faith.

After retiring from St. Mary’s Hospital for 29 years, she volunteered at the Agape House, the Altar and Rosary Society as well as organizing funeral dinners for many years.

The Catholic Church and her love for Jesus were the cornerstone of her life. She prayed a Rosary daily and when she was home bound, she enjoyed the EWTN channel to celebrate Mass.

Marilyn always sponsored the Youth Group at Sacred Heart by donating to their trips, bake sales, and looked forward to their annual leaf raking fund raiser in the Fall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Sacred Heart Youth group Organization, care of Sacred Heart Church, 1210 17 1/2 Rd, Fruita, CO 81521 or HopeWest Care Center, 3090 N 12th St, Grand Junction, CO 81506.

Local services in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 East 17th Street Ellis, Kansas 67637.