Marilyn Irene Smith Wilkin Cooper was born January 21, 1936, at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah to Franklin Richards Smith and Irene Davis Smith. She passed away January 19, 2025, just 2 days before her 89th birthday. She was residing at Spring Gardens Senior Living in Lindon, due to challenges from a cognitive stroke that left her with progressive dementia.

As a young child, she loved to spend time with her grandparents and lived in their home for several years after her parents divorced, until her mother married Frank Cedric Wilkin. After their marriage the family moved to various cities in California.

Marilyn graduated from Manuel Arts High School in Los Angeles in January 1954.

Marilyn married Robert Allen Cooper shortly after High School graduation, on April 14,1954 in the Salt Lake City Temple.

Bob (Robert) and Marilyn moved around a bit for Bob's service in the Army, his education at BYU and various employment opportunities in California.

Bob passed away in March 2004 from cancer, just weeks before their 50th wedding anniversary.

Marilyn enjoyed socializing, eating out, traveling (especially to places near a beach), plays, theater, music, playing games with family, dancing, tennis and interior decorating.

She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She enjoyed serving in various callings over the years. Marilyn enjoyed serving 2 missions with her husband. They served in the Temple Square Mission and the Utah Provo Mission.

Marilyn loved serving at the Jordan River Temple for a few years until health challenges caused her to give up her service. She loved family gatherings and always wanted to oversee coordinating the gatherings.

Marilyn worked at food counters and a bakery in High School. She was able to be a stay-at-home mom until all 6 children were raised. At which time, she completed a 2-year Travel Career Program and then worked as a travel agent for 7 years.

Upon Bob's retirement they moved to Utah and built their dream home. Two years after Bob's passing, Marilyn downsized and made a move to South Jordan to a wonderful, gated community.

She is survived by all her 6 children, Deborah (Jesse) Judd, Linda (Rory) Ward, Karen Cooper, Robert (Georgia Platts) Cooper, Douglas (Suzanne) Cooper and David (Wanda) Cooper. Marilyn is also survived by her brother Brian (Margaret) Wilkin and her sister-in-law Barbara Wilkin. She leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a brother and a great granddaughter.

The family wishes to express thanks to all the employees at Spring Gardens that assisted and served Marilyn while she lived there. Special thanks to her Hospice nurse Krysten, from First Choice Home Health and Hospice Care.

In lieu of flowers, Marilyn suggested that donations be made to the Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A viewing and funeral service will be held at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, located at 646 East 800 North in Orem, on Saturday, January 25, 2025. The viewing will be 9:30-10:30 am. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am. Burial will be in the Orem City Cemetery, next to her husband.

Family and friends may also view the service online by clicking this link https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczNzQ5MTIyNTM0NjQ5MyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==