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Obituary For Marilyn Pope
Marilyn Pope, 78, passed away on the morning of May 22, 2022 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Born on July 12, 1943 to William and Rebekah (Botkin) Ruddell in Maryville, Missouri, Marilyn was active in the Burr Oak community as a 4H sewer, flutist, and farmer’s daughter. She graduated from Skidmore High School in 1961 and from Northwest Missouri State University in 1965 with a bachelor’s of science in education. That June she married George Pittsenbarger. After two years teaching at Burlington High School, August 1968 brought the arrival of the couple’s first daughter, Georgia Beth. They moved to a farm outside Hopkins, Missouri, where Marilyn worked as a farmer’s wife and avid 4H leader. Six years later, their youngest daughter Lorinda was born. The family soon began splitting their time between Missouri and New Mexico. Marilyn eventually divorced and worked many careers, including driving for Tom’s Snacks, substitute teaching, and acting as the head of the Socorro Chamber of Commerce. She served in various chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution in many of the states she lived in over the years. Most of all, Marilyn cherished her work as the Director of the Geronimo Springs Museum in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Marilyn loved discussing, gathering, and making history, and worked at Geronimo Springs until she passed. In 2001, she married Thurl Pope, and the two lived at various times in Alaska, Hawaiʻi, Arizona, and New Mexico. Thurl and his ladybug shared thirty years together before his passing in the summer of 2021. Marilyn was also preceded in death by her beloved parents and cousin Barbara Dew.
She is survived by her daughters: Georgia (Keith) Williams of North Pole, Alaska and Lorinda (Richard) Forster of Mountainview, Hawaiʻi; grandchildren: Jacob (Autumn) Williams, Ashland (George) Lindholm, and Lichen Forster; stepsons: Kevin (Paula) Pope of Kerrville, Texas and Kyle (Kate) Pope of Brooklyn New York; step grandchildren: Maddie (Wesley) Lewis, Kelby Pope, Laney Pope, Zachary, Josephine, and Alexandra Pope; step great-grandson Landon Lewis, as well as numerous other family and friends.
Donations to the Geronimo Springs Museum can be made at 211 Main Street, Truth or Consequences, NM, 87901.
Services for Marilyn Pope will be held Friday, May 27, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Cedar St.
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Kyle Pope sent Sweet Moments for Marilyn Pope - May 26, 2022
Thoughts and love from your Brooklyn family. Kyle, Kate, Ali, Josie, Zack, and Laney
We miss you, but we know you and Thurl are happy together again. Georgia, Keith, Jacob, Ashland, Autumn, and George
Lorinda-- I was so sad to hear about your mother. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Sending you lots of love. Lisa Bird
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories and times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
I first became acquainted with, Marilyn, in the late 1980's as a volunteer during Geronimo Springs Museum infancy. Her patience and understanding was greatly appreciated.
Fond memories,
Joan F. Gooding
My condolences to Georgia, Lorinda and the family for their loss. Marilyn was my Aunt, a great Mom and just an amazing person. I have fond memories of spending time on the farm, playing with the girls and great family time. She always showed us love and treated me like one of her own. She will be dearly missed and I send my love to all the family.
I first met Marilyn when she worked as a tutor for my son, Stuart. She was always so kind and understanding. She would ask me about Stuart every time I saw her. Marilyn, thank you for caring and working with him, and he finally did learn to read! The community will miss you and all you did for the museum. Rest high on that mountain with Thurl sweet lady!
Condolences to family. May God give all strength during this time. We will miss our dear neighbor.
Mrs. Dolores Buck and Malena
So long Marilyn...............Ken..............................
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
