Marilyn (Cook) Heiner

Marilyn Cook Heiner passed away peacefully on July 28, 2023 at the age of 72. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend who was always there when we needed her. She was dearly loved and will be missed terribly.

Marilyn was born on November 26, 1950 to Blair and Verla Cook. She was raised in Rexburg, Idaho, and grew up with her younger sister, JaNiece and younger brother Steve. After graduating from high school she attended Ricks College, where she met and married Mark G. Heiner in the Idaho Falls temple for time and all eternity on December 26, 1970. They started their life together in Marilyn’s home town, Rexburg Idaho. They were blessed with 3 children, a son and two daughters. Following the Teton Dam flood in June 1976, they moved to Bedford, Wyoming where they were blessed with 3 more daughters. They operated a dairy farm and raised their children. They enjoyed their time there surrounded by their extended Heiner family.

In 1986, Mark and Marilyn moved their family to Pocatello, Idaho where they worked on their education and career paths. Marilyn attended  ISU and added onto her associate degree from Ricks College and Mark finished his commercial pilot’s license. They moved back to Star Valley in 1989 when Mark accepted a job at Christian Industries. Marilyn started working at Star Valley Branch Library, where she worked for the next 24 years. During this time she was promoted to Branch Librarian and served the community in that capacity until she retired in January 2015.   

Mark and Marilyn moved to Hurricane, Utah in  November 2017 to enjoy their retirement together. They enjoyed visiting National Parks and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Marilyn especially enjoyed quilting in her retirement and has made many beautiful quilts for her family. She also enjoyed knitting, reading,  and spending time with friends.

Marilyn was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions. She taught in many church organizations and enjoyed being the Ward music Director and Ward chorister for many years. She had a beautiful alto voice and passed her love of music onto her children.

She is survived by her sister JaNice (Steven) Warren, Brother Steve (Nancy) Cook and husband, Mark G. Heiner. Her six children; Shon (Tiffany) Heiner, Shannon Heiner, Deanna (Marc) Clark, Deborah (Joseph) Devereaux, Jeanette (Greg) Kirkham, and Jalene Heiner. She is also survived by 15 of her 16 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, with 2 more on the way this fall. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and granddaughter Marisa Clark.

Funeral Services for Marilyn Cook Heiner will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 12 Noon in the Bedford LDS Chapel, with a viewing prior to the service from 10:00am -11:45am. There will also be a night viewing at Schwab Mortuary in Afton on Friday, August 4, 2023 from 6:00 - 8:00pm.

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