June 26, 1932 – October 25, 2023
Marilyn Henderson Smythe of Palm Desert, CA died surrounded by her loved ones on October 25, 2023, in Palm Desert. She was born on June 26, 1932, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Larry and Maxine Beckmann.
Marilyn graduated from New Trier High Scheel in Winnetka, Illinois in 1950 and attended Michigan State University. She graduated in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in Speech Therapy & Audiology and a secondary Education degree. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority where she made lifelong friends. She met her husband-to-be, Terry Henderson, her senior year, and they were married following graduation. They were blessed with three beautiful children: Robb, Shaunna, and Candace Henderson. Terry’s job took them to Saginaw, MI, Denver, CO, Chicago, IL, San Marino, CA, Atlanta, GA, Wheaton, IL, Palos Verdes, CA, Chicago again and then to retire to Park City, UT. IN 1994 they bought a house in Palm Desert to enjoy the sunny desert.
In 1990, Marilyn became a licensed Building Contractor and built custom homes in both Park City and Palm Desert. Following their divorce in 1999, Marilyn retired. She now had time to take each of her thirteen grandchildren on a Mission Trip as they reached the age of thirteen. They mostly went with Franklin Graham’s Operation Christmas Child program to distribute shoe boxes to different countries around the world. Missionary trips were a major part of Marilyn’s life. Settling in the Desert in 1998, Marilyn became a Core Leader for Community Bible Study and stayed with it for sixteen years. She also enjoyed playing bridge and reading books with her Pi Beta Phi sorority sisters in the desert monthly.
In 2003, Marilyn married the love of her life, Bill Smythe. They lived in the Desert for eight months of the year and in Park City for four months.
She is survived by her son Robb (Pamela) Henderson, daughter Shaunna (Todd Hood), daughter Candace (Steve Garvey), grandchildren: Jessica, Shaunna, Taylor, Heather, Samantha, Cherie, Bob, Ryan, Alexandra, Olivia, Brent, Meghan, and Sean; and great-grandchildren: Sullivan, Tommy, Charlotte, Jacob, Stella, Noah, Liam.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.