Marilyn Jean Puckett

Marilyn Puckett passed away on the evening of Saturday, February 6th, 2021 at the age of 87.

Marilyn was born Marilyn Jean Lyon on September 26, 1933 to James and Marjorie Lyon of Rawlins, Wyoming.  She is preceded in death by her parents, and her three sisters, Janet Ballinger, Genevieve Marvin, and Beverly Wisemen.  Marilyn is survived by her son, Joe Puckett, his wife Amy Witten, and their son Joey (to whom she was Gaga), her daughter, Marcia Puckett and her wife, Anne-Marie Foley, as well as many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and most recently, a great grandniece.  

Marilyn received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming and a Master’s in Education from the University of California, Riverside.  She began working as a high school teacher in Basin, Wyoming, but it was a move to California that brought Marilyn to her true calling: teaching and guiding our youngest students.  Marilyn taught Kindergarten and first grade for over 30 years in Nuview Union School District, first at Nuview elementary and then at the brand new Valley View Elementary school.  After her retirement in 1998, Marilyn continued to serve the education community as a mentor for at-risk students in Nuevo, and as “the best parent volunteer one could ever hope for” in her daughter Marcia’s classes in Moreno Valley.  

Marilyn was also active in many local groups.  She was a member (and often served on the board) of organizations such as the Riverside Chapter of the American Association of University Women, Phi Delta Kappa, and the Moreno Valley Master Chorale.  

Marilyn loved music.  She enjoyed both listening and singing, as well as being an accomplished pianist.  She was an avid reader and writer, and her family will treasure the many poems and writings she created over the years.  She loved to travel and was able to visit and appreciate much of our beautiful country.  She especially loved the southwest and enjoyed many trips to learn, appreciate, and respect the lands and history of the native peoples of Arizona and New Mexico.  

She touched countless lives and will live on in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.  

A celebration of life will be held at a future date (post pandemic).

Cards of sympathy or remembrance can be sent to:
Marcia Puckett

11186 Twilight Way, 

Moreno Valley, CA 92555

The Moreno Valley Master Chorale was one of the great joys of our mom’s life for the last 20 years.  She attended countless rehearsals, sang in dozens of performances, and served on the board for much of her time with the group.  The chorale members were friends, and many, more like family.  We are blessed for the value they bring to our community, and for the joy they brought to Mom’s life. 

In lieu of flowers, Joe and Marcia would be pleased if those who wish to offer remembrance would do so by honoring Marilyn’s love of music and performance with donations to Moreno Valley Master Chorale, PO Box 1221, Moreno Valley, 92556.

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