Marianne Colt Conlee

Marianne Colt Conlee

Marianne Conlee Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 17, 2006.
Marianne Colt Conlee
1944-2006
Marianne Colt Conlee, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, died at home on 15 December 2006 after a valiant battle with Lou Gehrig's disease (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS). She was the eldest of four children of Donald Clifford Colt and Beulah Wood Colt.
Marianne was born 28 August 1944 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. At the age of four, while living in Salt Lake City, she contracted the polio virus and was hospitalized for several months but made a nearly complete recovery. As a result of that experience Marianne developed a resilient spirit that served her well throughout her life. She was strong in the face of adversity and worked hard to accomplish physical goals in spite of her physical limitations resulting from her polio. She loved to dance and was a song leader in high school. As an adult she worked hard every day, either in the yard or around the house, or tending to the constant needs of her family.
She was an accomplished pianist and sang in the A Cappela Choir in high school. Marianne graduated from Mark Keppel High School in Monterrey Park, California, and enrolled at Brigham Young University in 1962. She interrupted her schooling when she married her husband, Robert K. Conlee, on December 26, 1963, while he was serving in the United States Army. Their marriage was solemnized in the Los Angeles Temple in May 1965. After supporting her husband while he pursued his military, educational and professional goals she finally was able to finish her own education earning her Bachelor of Science degree in history from BYU in 1994.
She was an avid family historian and taught numerous classes on family history research to various groups including the Elder Hostel program, the BYU Genealogy library educational series and many stake family history conferences for the LDS church. She also accompanied groups of Elder Hostel participants to Ireland and Northern Ireland where she assisted them in their family research. Marianne was an expert in United States, British Isles and German genealogy research and was responsible for helping numerous individuals search for their ancestors. Marianne was also privileged to work for eight years as an ordinance worker in the Mount Timpanogas Temple where she was loved by her fellow workers. One of her greatest heart aches was when her disease symptoms precluded her from continuing that sacred work.
A long time active member of the LDS church Marianne served faithfully in ward and stake relief society presidencies, the ward primary presidency, as an advisor in the Young womens program and as chorister and pianist for various auxiliaries. She longed to eventually serve a mission, but that dream was unfulfilled because of her declining health. Marianne's legacy will be found in the way she supported her husband in his church and professional responsibilities, in the way she raised her six children, and in the countless lives she touched for good through her genuine love for people and for the Lord. Everyone who knew Marianne recognized the dignity, grace and pure love of this divine soul. Heaven is a better place now that Marianne has arrived. The world has lost one of its pure spirits.
Marianne is survived by her husband and their six children Robert (Stephanie) of Alpine, Utah, Steven (Gisele) of Pleasant Grove, Utah, James of Lehi, Utah, Julie (Todd) Anderson of Clinton, Oklahoma, John (Alanna) of Indianapolis, Indiana, and David (Melissa) of Salt Lake City, Utah. She is also survived by two sisters Janice Skousen of Logan, Utah and Carol Voght of Chicago, Illinois.
The family wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their generous assistance to Marianne and Bob during the final months of her life Kayra Dobbin, Cindy Chilcoat, the health professionals of Vista Care Hospice and Doctor David Peterson for his long-time devoted and tender care of Marianne.
A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary 495 South State Street in Orem, Utah. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, at the Cherry Hill Stake Center at 1700 South on 400 East in Orem, Utah. The funeral will be preceded by a viewing from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. in the Stake Center Relief Society room. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sundbergolpinmortuary.com In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that donations be made to the Marianne Colt Conlee Scholarship Fund to be established in the Department of Exercise Sciences at Brigham Young University.

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January 2, 2007

Linda Robinson posted to the memorial.

December 30, 2006

Joanne Owen posted to the memorial.

December 30, 2006

David Arnall posted to the memorial.

Linda Robinson

January 2, 2007

Dear Bob and Family
I'm so very sorry to hear of your Loss,I loved Marianne, she was very ,Very, special.My prayers are with you All Always.I've thought of you both often through the years.. I wish we could have all been together more often..God Bless You,.. I Love you All.Your Cousin Linda PS. I Love your Music James, I listen all the time...

Joanne Owen

December 30, 2006

Dear Conlee Family,
I just learned of Marianne's passing today, December 30. My thoughts are with each of you, even though I do not personally know her children. Marianne has been an inspiration to me since our roommate days at BYU when we were 18 years old. She embraced life. Her goodness radiated to others when she entered a room. I know she will continue to serve and emulate the Savior, and she will do so with her beautiful spirit. May you, Bob, and each of your children be comforted by the memories and the love that you each share for her. Joanne Salmenson Owen and husband Gary Owen

David Arnall

December 30, 2006

Dear Dr. Conlee and Family,

Well, I heard today (December 30, 2006) of Marianne's passing. I am so sorry that your beloved wife is gone from your presence. However, in the Gospel of Christ we teach and believe in the life to come through the resurrection and the atonement of our Savior. As as you so eloquently said in the obituary, Heaven is a better place for her presence.

Marianne was a very dedicated and wonderful wife, Mother and companion. Few of us are so richly blessed in this life with such a grand example of eternal marriage and eternal love.

As for me, I am grateful for both of your love, friendship, and your great examples of Christ like living. May I be so blessed as to mirror your grand lives.

Dr. Conlee, as a former student of yours, I want you to know how much I love you. You have sent my professional ship asail with your grand examples of professional behavior, work ethic, and research integrity. I have to say that all that I am professionally, I owe to you my dear friend and colleague. My career as a University professor and researcher is due to your mentorship. Thank you from the bottom my heart.

God bless you - as I know He will - in these hours of your sorrow.

Love, David and Sheridan Arnall

Stephen Linsky

December 29, 2006

Dear Pres. Conlee and Family,


I have just learned, today, of Sister Conlee’s passing and I am so saddened. My deepest condolences to all of you.

Sister Conlee was a wonderful spirit in every sense of the word and it was an honor to have known her.

She was a solid member of the church and an influence to all acquainted with her. All the Conlee kids, I know, are a testament to her skills as a mother and someone who led by example.

President Conlee, I know I haven’t seen you for many years but both you and Sister Conlee and your family have been a great example to me and are the sort of people I have always hoped to emulate. I am blessed to have always been welcome in your home.

May our Heavenly Father bless you and comfort you all at this time.


Stephen Linsky, Wife, Estelle, and son Freddie (1-1/2)
London, England

Richard and Natalie Hawks Family

December 22, 2006

We are thankful to have known Sister Conlee and her wonderful family. We remember fondly the many times she lovingly held our children during church when we needed help. She was always kind and curteous as I came to her home as a home teacher. There is not a better prepared person to enter the world of spirits. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with the Conlees and their loved ones who mourn. We pray that the good tidings of peace, proclaimed by angels more than 2000 years ago, will abide with the Conlee family this holiday season.

Bryce Neubert

December 20, 2006

Dear Conlee Family,

After a very sweet experience this morning, I felt to add my heartfelt thanks and best wishes to each of you for the wonderful spirit shared on such a difficult day today. Your testimonies were powerful, and I know that mine increased greatly because of your faith, and because of the renewed hope we all feel as we long to be with those we've lost. I appreciate so much the great example you have all been for me and my family, and for the fathering my brothers and I have recieved at your hands Pres. Conlee. I also want to tell you how much we appreciate the love and concern that you and Marianne have given for so long to our sweet mom. She has indeed felt the great loss of a dear friend these past days, and I know that she is also so appreciative.

May the Lord bless each of you as you continue on, knowing that your dear mother and wife is safe with so many, including a very loving Father in Heaven.

Love, Bryce and Krista Neubert

Cloverne Allred

December 20, 2006

Dear Bob and family,
You know how much I love Marianne. I have an idea what you are going through because it hasn't been very long since I lost my husband. Time does help.

Marianne was a pure gem and we are all richer for knowing her. She will be with you and the knowledge of the plan of salvation will help in the rough times.

Robert & Mary Barry

December 19, 2006

Dear Bob and Family,

Although it has been many years since we have seen you, Robert and I would like to share our sadness for your loss. We are all blessed to have known Marianne. She will be sorely missed. May God shower you with his comforting peace and envelope you and your family in his welcoming arms.

Robert & Mary Barry(Robinson)
Uncle Cle & Aunt Peggy's youngest

TJ Young

December 19, 2006

Dear James,

Adrian and I are very saddened by the news of your mother. Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Ali (Goetz) Pili

December 19, 2006

Dear Bob and Family,
We are so saddened by your loss, but rejoice for the beautiful life that Marianne lead. She was a testament to all. I will never forget her valiant example wrestling with your young children during sacrament meeting in the Iowa City Ward. I was a new member and so impressed with her patience and love. Whenever I have visited your home she has made me feel loved. I am just glad that she shared part of her life with me and was such a testament of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Love, Ali (Goetz) & Phil Pili

Heather Riggs

December 19, 2006

Dear James and Family,
There just aren't words that seem adequate enough at a time like this, but please know how much you and your entire family are in our hearts and in our prayers. Amazing mothers get a very special place in heaven, that I know. Much, much love to you and your family.

Cynthia Hallen

December 19, 2006

Dear Conlee family,

Marianne and I met regularly in the Ladies Locker Room at BYU when we went to exercise during the mid-1990's. She was warm, kind, and welcoming, even thereafter when our schedules changed. Now Steve, Giselle, and family have carried her legacy of love into our Pleasant Grove neighborhood. Mothers can never really die, and we will see them again. The alternative is unthinkable. With sincere condolences, Cynthia L. Hallen

Deni Preston

December 19, 2006

Dear Bob and Family: We are so sorry to hear this. We love you and your family. We so admired Marianne. May God bless you and keep you. Love, Mike and Deni Preston

Martha Whitmore

December 18, 2006

Dear Bob and family,
We are so deeply saddened by Marianne's passing. She was a wonderful woman, wife, mother, grandmother, and such a blessing to our family. She will be terribly missed by all who knew her or knew of her. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you.

We love you all, Aunt Peggy, Martha and Mel

Gary J. and Sandra Goodwin

December 18, 2006

Our love and best wishes to Bob and all the family at the loss of such a sweet wife, mother, and grandmother and wonderful lady.She was always a special spirit.

Bonnie Hall

December 18, 2006

I was so impressed by all that your wife and mother accomplished while on this earth in reading this posting. May God bless and be with all of you as you go through the times of lonliness, but realize that she will always be there and a part of your lives..

Gary & Deanna Ostergaard

December 18, 2006

Dear Bob,

You and Marianne have always been an amazing example of unconditional love, friendship, humor, and family. We are so sorry to hear of Marianne's passing. Her wonderful legacy is evident through your children and grandchildren.

Steve gave a very moving and heart felt performance Friday night at the concert. It must have been very difficult for him to perform under those circumstances. I think everyone in the audience was moved by his performance.

May the Spirit of the Lord bless and comfort you and your family.

Gary & Deanna Ostergaard

Brian and Corlie Ann Pead

December 18, 2006

Thank you for sharing your lovely, talented wife and mom with so many. With gratitude for the friendship and leadership of your family we offer heartfelt condolences and prayer.

Larry Neal

December 18, 2006

Dear Bob and Conlee Family:

Marianne's sweet spirit touched many lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. May your abiding testimonies of our Savior's Plan bring peace and comfort to each of you at this difficult parting.

Larry and Barbara Neal

Jenny (Peterson) Haraguchi

December 18, 2006

Dear Steve,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you mourn the loss of your wonderful mother. My parents have always spoken so highly of your mom and dad. Your family has inspired us to do good and be better. May God's love comfort and sustain you through your sadness.

Melinda Wyatt Turner

December 17, 2006

Dear Conlee Family,
We loved Marianne so much and appreciated her love for our parents and family. Enjoy your new vibrant guardian angel, may she still be able to share her love with you. Our prayers and hugs are with you, the John & Ruth Wyatt kids & families

Kent & Hannelore Gygi

December 17, 2006

Dear Bob & Family,
We are saddened to learn of Marianne's passing. She was an example to all our family. We pray that you will be comforted at this time.
Our sincerest best wishes,
Kent & Hannelore Gygi & Family

Glenna Dennett

December 17, 2006

Dear Conlee Family,
As a person who worked with Marianne at the temple, I was so saddened and shocked to hear of her passing. Every praise I read in the obituary is well deserved and so true of her beautiful spirit. It was beautifully written, I might add. She will be greatly missed.

Randy Curtis

December 17, 2006

John,

I was sorry to learn of your mothers passing. Though I never had the chance to meet her, I can tell she was a wonderful person and touched many lives. May the Lord bless you and sustain you, along with Alanna and your family as you go through this difficult time.

Lee Clark

December 17, 2006

Dear Bob and family,

Our thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with you at this difficult time. Thank you for sharing Marianne with us for the past 18 years. We loved her and always felt of her love and kindness during frequent visits and telephone calls. Please know of our continuing love for you, Bob, and your family.

Lee, Jeana and Nathan Clark

Brad Olsen

December 17, 2006

Bob: I was saddened to hear of your wife's passing. I think only of good things when I reflect on our memories together.

Dave & Jan Peterson

December 17, 2006

Such a lovely woman. Our hearts grieve with your family. We have great "hope in Christ" but we recognize that life for you will change during this separation. We know that because of eternal families you will build strong everlasting bonds with one another and share precious memories of your wife, mother and grandmother.

Mindy Walsh

December 17, 2006

Dearest Conlee Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Marianne is dearly loved.
Love,
Bishop Vic, Mindy, Andrew, and Thomas Waslh
Cherry Hill 5th Ward

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January 2, 2007

Linda Robinson posted to the memorial.

December 30, 2006

Joanne Owen posted to the memorial.

December 30, 2006

David Arnall posted to the memorial.