Marilyn Joy Elenberger

Marilyn Joy (Mickelson) Elenberger passed away peacefully August 24, 2024, at her daughter's home in Montrose, Colorado with her children by her side. Marilyn was 91 years young.

Celebration of Life will be held in Belle Fourche, South Dakota on September 20, 2024, on what would have been Marilyn’s 92nd birthday.

An additional Celebration of Life will be held on November 2, 2024, at 1:00 at the American Legion Hall, Paonia, Colorado, with the graveside service following at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Marilyn was born on September 20, 1932, in Newell, South Dakota, to Jessie Emma Helmer and Andy B. Mickelson. Marilyn grew up on the family farm in Nisland, South Dakota. Marilyn graduated from Nisland High School and went on to college in Spearfish, South Dakota where she was awarded a teaching degree.

Marilyn met Richard in high school and married on December 20, 1952. Marilyn and Richard celebrated 61 years of marriage before his passing in 2014. To this union, six children were born, Deborah Kay, Joni Rae, Richard Michael, Vicki Lynn, Susan Dee and Scott Alexander.

Marilyn and Richard made their way to Delta County making Paonia their home. Marilyn was a resident of the Western Slope for 50 years. When Marilyn was not working,

She enjoyed baking, gardening, quilting, fishing and most importantly spending time with her family! Marilyn was a member of Paonia Quilt Group and volunteered at the Senior Center and Methodist Church. Marilyn was outgoing, usually talkative, funny, witty and extremely loveable! Marilyn opened her home and heart to anyone and her greatest joys were being with family and her passion for quilting which she put so much into each one from her heart to share with everyone.

Marilyn is survived by 5 of her 6 children, Joni (Kelly) Green of Montrose, Colorado, Richard (Charlotte) Elenberger of Longwood, Florida, Vicki (Windell) Lively of Evanston, Wyoming, Susan (Chris) Elenberger of Grand Junction, Colorado and Scott (Tina) Elenberger of Chino Hills, California, along with her 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Her sister Patsy (Ralph) Dienstel of Rapid City, South Dakota and brother Jim Mickelson of Belle Fourche, South Dakota.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her daughter Deborah Kay Miller, husband Richard Victor Elenberger, granddaughter Alicia Elenberger, parents Jessie Emma and Andy B. Mickelson and sister Marguerite Kleven.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Marilyn’s name to: Hope West 725 S 4th Street, Montrose, CO. 81401.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory.

View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at: www.taylorfuneralservice.com

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. You may be gone from my sight, but you are never gone from my heart.” - Unknown