Marylin Idler

1922 - 2023

Born Sept. 5, 1922, in Las Animas, Marylin Marie Idler was the third of five children born to Mary Josephine and Clarence LeRoy Nickelson. A centenarian, Marylin died May 3, 2023, at her home of 81 years in Lamar. Marylin grew up close to Lamar after her parents moved from their Las Animas homestead. She experienced a humble upbringing during the Great Depression, working hard on the family farm alongside her siblings. She was particularly close to her older sister, Rosalee. Marylin attended school at a rural schoolhouse and was a good student. She graduated from Lamar Union High School in 1940, attended Colorado State University, and later married Leo Idler. Marylin and Leo married on May 31, 1942. Over the next 12 years, they had four children: George, Tom, Kathy, and Jim. As the wife of a farmer, Marylin was a full-time homemaker, helping with farm duties, tending to her gardens, and caring for her family. Marylin was passionate about gardening, baking and spending time in nature. She also enjoyed sewing and was an avid reader. She grew a bounty of fruit and vegetables in her garden and enjoyed pressing flowers. Her baked goods, such as pumpkin cake, dinner rolls, and holiday pies, were cherished by her family. Marylin was active in her community, serving as president of the board at Lamar Community College and as the vice-chair of the local Democratic Party. She was part of a citizen's group called Health Resources Incorporated, which saved an old hospital building in Lamar. She was also selected to attend the International Exposition of Rural Development in New Delhi, India. Marylin's memory will live on through her loving family, who supported and cherished her throughout her life. She is survived by her children, George, Thomas, Kathleen, and James; her grandchildren, Scott, Amy, Roni, Mary, Megan, Bridget, Leo, and Elizabeth; former daughter-in-law, Nancy; step-grandchildren, Shelly and Gina; numerous great-grandchildren; and her brother, Dan. Marylin was preceded in death by her husband, Leo; her father and mother, Clarence and Josephine; brother, LeRoy; sisters, Rosalee and Georgia, and step-grandchild, Jeffrey. Her loving spirit and the values she instilled in her family will continue to inspire them for generations to come. A Celebration of Life for Marylin Idler will be held at the Peacock Family Chapel at 10 a.m. on June 3, 2023.