Marilyn K. Nunez

Marilyn Kay Samp Nunez was born in Nampa, Idaho. She grew up on a dairy farm and was a vital part of its daily operations. Marilyn's strongest passion was her devotion to God. She poured God's love and her love into the lives of her three children, four grandchildren, and four great grandchildren with poise, fun and creativity. Starting at very young ages, Marilyn taught her children the importance of cherishing God's Word in their hearts through memorizing lots of Bible Scriptures.



God blessed Marilyn with many talents that were delightfully varied. She taught junior high school and later, fourth grade, and received several certificates of excellence in both capacities. Parents often requested her as their student's teacher. Years after her former students graduated from high school, different ones would contact her to thank Marilyn for all she taught them about academics and practical life skills.



Marilyn was born with perfect pitch and played the piano beautifully in concert-style. She would put chords and the entire keyboard in action for any tune someone simply hummed. By contrast, she was one of the best catchers for her time, on a hold-over, All-American Girls Professional Baseball team. Playing baseball certainly was one of Marilyn's passions. She could switch-hit, and hit home-runs nearly every time she was up to bat. Marilyn was also a phenomenal cook and baker. Anyone treated to her meals and baked goodies always vied for more!



Marilyn lived out the message of Hebrews 12:1-2. With a smile and raw determination, she persevered through all sorts of trials and challenges. Marilyn never quit giving every second her best shot. Her amazing smile showered light in every room she entered.



Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.



Marilyn was a fighter for God's righteousness and justice. Her heart overflowed with God-inspired compassion and generosity. Regardless of anyone's blemish or shortcoming, Marilyn saw God's good in each person. Her love and compassion communicated to others that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.



Romans 8:37-39 (NIV)

37 . . . in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.



During the last leg of Marilyn's race this side of heaven, she selflessly walked with each of her close family members, being near enough to encourage hope, strength, and faith in God as each one started learning what life would be like on this side of heaven without her physical presence. She truly wanted each of her close family members and friends to know the hope, joy, and peace that comes from an intimate relationship with Jesus.

Romans 15:13
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Marilyn is survived by her husband, Edward Lester Nunez. They shared the last nearly 40 years of Marilyn's life together. Marilyn and Ed traveled extensively, volunteered time at their church, West Bowles Community Church, and at the Museum of Nature and Science.
Marilyn is also survived by her son, Jim (Kathy) Jackson, daughters Robbi Jackson and Jolynn (Tom) Zapico; grandchildren Jared (Meghan) Jackson, Tenesha (Ben) Baker, Kevin (Sarah Potter) Zapico, and Corin (Jeremy) Hernandez; great grandchildren Elyse Jackson, and Ryah, Avynn, and Maylee Baker.
Marilyn is already missed tremendously by everyone who knew her. The love she poured into each life she touched has left indelible gifts of God's love.