Obituary of Marilyn Givens

Marilyn Ann Givens, age 79, passed away at her home 9 June 2008 at Lake Ozark , MO due to complications of a battle with breast and bone cancer that lasted for 17 years. A true fighter! Marilyn, born and raised in Palatine , Illinois , was the eldest daughter of Archie and Marjorie Hastings and is survived by 12 brothers and sisters. Marilyn, and her husband of 56 years US Army MSG Retired Sam Givens, were married in Fort Sheridan , Illinois 20 October 1951. A devoted family and business woman, Marilyn was the loving mother of four children and the grandmother of seven: Jeff (Micki) Givens and their children, Jeffery and Rebecca of Lansing, KS; Jerry (Teresa) Givens and their children, Maggie, Lucy, and Cece of Branson, MO; Lori Givens of Jefferson City, MO; and Beth (Vic) Morgan and their children, Savannah and Cassidy of Lake Ozark, MO. Marilyn and Sam moved to Waynesville/St. Robert, MO in 1954 where they lived and, after Sam�s retirement from the Army, owned and operated a variety of small businesses for 50 years. Marilyn raised children, ran a skating rink, and helped to manage several other family owned businesses including an auto auction, night club, hotel, and others over the 50 years. She was living proof that if you put your mind to it you can have it all! Even with her serious illness, Marilyn�s pace did not stop for 17 years, she continued her devotion to people, family, business, and rescued many small animals. It was the norm for her to help people, especially family members in trouble by being a giver of her time, resources, care, or money. Marilyn�s affection for small animals in trouble gave her the family title of �veterinarian� and �pet nurse� and over the years she nurtured many dogs, cats, goats, birds, turtles, and other unfortunate creatures. The legacy that she leaves her family and community is one that spans the entire spectrum of good will and good character. As a young woman, she left college to help raise eight younger siblings after the untimely death of her mother. At the same time she helped her father operate the family owned lumber yard business and later, when he remarried, she welcomed, loved, and became a dear friend to her step mother, Elizabeth. This early education provided the strength of character that she applied throughout her wonderful and fulfilling life. She was and still is our rock! Truly she exemplifies a life well spent and leaves a family most proud of her accomplishments. If there is an area of heaven that is in need of organization or assistance, she is the woman for the job and will do it well. We will always love her and will miss her greatly. Marilyn Ann Givens, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend: a life well lived!!