Obituary of Marilyn Middleton

Marilyn Middleton Obituary

Marilyn Middleton, born on April 17, 1939, in Whittier, California, peacefully passed away on December 29, 2023.

Marilyn spent the first 77 years of her life in La Habra, California, relocating to Meridian, Idaho to live near family in 2016. She was a woman of exceptional intellect and grace, evident from her early years. In 1957, Marilyn achieved the honor of being the first valedictorian at La Habra High School. She continued her pursuit of knowledge, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Brigham Young University in 1961. 

Her life took a transformative turn when she served as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1964 to 1966 in the Andes Mountains in South America. This experience not only deepened her faith but also instilled in her a profound love for the Spanish language, a passion that would endure throughout her life.

Upon her return, Marilyn dedicated five decades of her life as an English and Spanish teacher at Sonora High School in Brea, California. Her impact on the lives of students was immeasurable. Marilyn taught Advanced Placement (AP) English and AP Spanish, leaving an indelible mark on her students and writing hundreds of college recommendation letters. Her cultural influence at Sonora was impactful as the Student Government & Activities Advisor, and she played a pivotal role in initiating the International Baccalaureate program at Sonora.

Marilyn embraced adventure, creating exciting memories each summer on Catalina Island and Balboa Island, California. She cherished her role as the “World’s Greatest Aunt” to her nieces and nephews and to her grandnieces and grandnephews. To her sisters, Linda and Nancy, she was not only a sibling but a confidante and friend. To her many dear friends, she was a source of tremendous fun, formidable wit, inspiration and loyalty.

Marilyn loved to photograph nature and all family events and activities. She read widely, listened to wonderful music and loved to write poetry. She kept a personal journal all of her life.

Marilyn was dedicated to her faith as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served for years as a Sunday School Gospel Doctrine teacher, Relief Society Teacher, and Relief Society President. She also taught early morning seminary to high school students for over twenty years. Marilyn was a devoted Temple Worker at the Newport Beach Temple and the Meridian Idaho Temple. All of this service was representative of her devotion to and faith in Jesus Christ. Marilyn understood, taught and exemplified the doctrine and teachings of Jesus Christ profoundly.

Marilyn Middleton was preceded in death by her father, John Middleton, and her mother, Martha Middleton. Marilyn is survived by her sisters Linda (James) Aday and Nancy (Charles) Lucas and her beloved nieces and nephews.

In celebration of Marilyn’s life, a memorial service will be held on January 5, 2024 at 11:00AM MST.  The funeral will be held at: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2515 West Ustick Road, Meridian, Idaho.

The family would appreciate any memories or condolences to be shared at the following website:

https://everloved.com/life-of/marilyn-middleton/obituary/

Zoom links for the funeral.

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11am Mountain Time - Friday Jan 5th.