Marilyn Shockey

Burley, Idaho - Marilyn Shockey, age 54, of Burley, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013.

She was born on May 27, 1958, the daughter of Russell B. and Margery (Dalton) Shockey. Marilyn was our delightful sister, beautiful, bright, fun, funny, mischievous, sneaky, insightful, intuitive, and incredibly strong in both body and spirit.

She taught us all that normal is a dryer setting, and there is nothing typical on this earth. She often seemed to teach us more than we could offer to teach her. Having been born with Down Syndrome, the only stereotype attributed to her was that of tenacity which is on the 21st chromosome, and of which Marilyn had an extra!

Marilyn grew up south of Burley, living within walking distance of the Farmer’s Corner Market which she visited almost daily – either walking or riding her bike. The crew at the store became very familiar with Marilyn and was very gracious and kind in dealing with her disabilities. Because of her physical differences, she had challenges, yet she challenged us more so, through which we are all so much better for having her in our lives. Marilyn was a unique and special person unlike anyone else one may ever encounter. Meeting her was always memorable. She marveled everyone she knew, causing a smile everywhere she went.

Her birth and development inspired her parents to help start the first school in Burley for special needs children. She loved school! She loved “Big Macs!” She loved WWF wrestling! She loved bowling! She was a Special Olympian! She also loved singing “Hallelujah” in church. Now that she has joined her parents in heaven, we can all sing Hallelujah with a fond remembrance of our little angel.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Richard “Ricky” Shockey.

She is survived by her brothers, David (Susan) Shockey, Mark (Carla) Shockey, and Dan (Terrie) Shockey; her sisters, Janet (Craig) Heilman, Susan (John) Christensen, and Ann Sandmann; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family would like to give their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Angel’s Haven. We would also like to thank the Countryside Care and Rehabilitation Center in Rupert for their dedicated love, care and support offered to Marilyn in the last few years of her life.

Without trying, Marilyn spread her satisfaction in simple pleasure to those around her. In her memory, may we all strive to do the same.

A celebration of Marilyn’s incredible life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, at the First Presbyterian Church, 2100 Burton Ave., in Burley. Burial will follow at the Pleasant View Cemetery.

A gathering for family and friends will be held from 6 until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and again on Wednesday at the church from 10 until 10:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to the Burley Special Olympics or the First Presbyterian Church of Burley in care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home, P.O. Box 878, Burley, ID 83318.