Marilyn Ruth Bouma

Marilyn Ruth Bouma

Marilyn Ruth Bouma
May 21, 1937 – July 24, 2023
Denver, Colorado | Age 86

Marilyn Ruth Bouma, 86, of Denver, Colorado passed away peacefully on July 24, 2023. Marilyn was born on May 21, 1937 and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Marilyn attended Grand Rapids Christian High School and graduated with the class of 1955. She was an excellent student, so much so, her teachers suggested she be given aptitude tests. She played softball for the Grand Rapid Red Wings which was an up and coming “League of Their Own” curriculum for young women at the time. In addition to sports, Marilyn was also an accomplished clarinetist and marched with the band in the Holland, Michigan Tulip Festival.

Marilyn attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for two years. She was studying for a sports teaching degree when she met Donald Bouma, and the rest was history.

Marilyn and Don married on August 22, 1958 and moved to Denver Colorado in 1965. To this union four children were born.

Marilyn was very involved in her children’s lives. She supported all 4 of her children in a multitude of activities and sporting events which included swimming, cross country, soccer, citywide band, and choir, to name a few.

Amongst all these activities Marilyn, worked at Target for 25 years and gained many friends there. She even had the opportunity to meet Red Skelton while she was working at Target.

When she wasn’t working or herding children to multiple activities, she participated in church programs like Sunday school and bible study and also year-round bowling leagues.

A life well lived.

Marilyn is survived by her daughters: Lori Lugg, Julie Bell, and Bonnie Schlieker; her son, Dirk Bouma; 6 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; a sister, Judy Posthumus; 1 nephew; and 2 nieces.

Services are pending. Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Marilyn Ruth Bouma please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.