Marilyn Austin

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Marilyn Austin

June 22, 1923 ~ January 19, 2021

Marilyn Wible Rushmer Christensen McGee Austin was born in St Louis, Missouri on June 22, 1923 to James Frank Wible and Gretchen Delong Wible. She was the second of three daughters. Marilyn grew up in Helper, Utah, attending school at Carbon High School until graduation in 1940-41. She then moved to Salt Lake City and remained there throughout her life.

Marilyn was raised as a Christian Scientist, but converted to Catholicism in 1972 and joined St. Ambrose Parish, which she kept as her home parish. Marilyn was active in the Salt Lake City Eastern Star (Mizpah chapter) organization for many years.

Marilyn married Hessel Rushmer on May 29, 1943 and she began her career as the optician in his optometric practice. Marilyn had one child, Marsha, with Dr. Rushmer, who died on October 31, 1961. Marilyn married Grant Christensen on October 20, 1964. Marilyn quickly became a significant part of the lives of Grant’s three children, Karen (Dick) Paul, Marty (Ray) Malheiro and Jori (Jim) Oswald. Marilyn and Grant unfortunately divorced in 1969. She married Peter (Mick) McGee on August 14, 1970. They were married for 27 years; Mick died on September 28, 1997. Marilyn then married one of her longtime friends, Ben Austin, on April 29, 2000. Sadly, Ben died just three months after they were married, in July 2000. Ben’s two children and grandchildren have been an active part of Marilyn’s life throughout the past many years.

Marilyn was a very active member of St. Ambrose Parish and was involved in both the 49ers and the Altar Society for many years.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Marsha; and her grandchildren, Kari (Anthony) Zoolakis and Cory (Gretchen) Cameron. She is also survived by her great-granddaughters, Alexi, Sia and Emmy Lou. She will be met in heaven by her great-granddaughter Melina, who died in 2005. She is also survived by a wonderful and very supportive blended family, with Karen (Dick) Paul, Marty (Ray) Malheiro, Jori (Jim) Oswald, Doug (Julie) Austin and Shanna (Blaine) Hendrickson and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 29 at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. For those who are unable to attend, Mass will be livestreamed.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Marilyn’s honor to the following organizations, the St. Ambrose 49er group, the American Society for Pain Management Nursing (ASPMN) or to Best Friends animal sanctuary.