Marilyn (Catt) Griffiths Alleman

1951 ~ 2022

Marilyn was the life of everyone’s party and a passionate force in the lives of all who knew her. On the evening of March 27, 2022, she passed away in a tragic accident.

Her family was everything to her, and she was the ultimate fun grandmother, Granny Catt, who delighted her grandchildren with special parties in her bird garden. Marilyn had many gifts, especially her ability to make people feel noticed and important. And she definitely knew how to make people laugh! She adored her children and gave her all to help Traci, John, and Diana develop their special talents. Because of her efforts and enthusiasm, as well as their father’s unwavering support, each of them became accomplished, well educated, and caring adults. In addition, handsome and kind-hearted husband John provided loving support and made sure Marilyn always had whatever she desired.

Marilyn had an eye for beauty and loved photographing the wonders of nature that she could see from her own window or within the walls of her own exquisite home. Her adorable grandchildren and kitties were often the focus of her artistic and heart-warming photographs.

Born May 5, 1951, to Mildred Glenn and Melvin Griffiths, Marilyn moved from Ogden, Utah to Las Vegas, Nevada as an infant. Marilyn thrived growing up with loving Glenn grandparents nearby and always enjoyed and contributed to the dazzle of her hometown. She was a proud graduate of Las Vegas High School, where she was a cheerleader and a friend to many. She later attended the University of Utah, where she pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Throughout her life she cultivated many special and lasting friendships, which meant so much to her. She had a big heart and a special flair for finding and wrapping just the right gift. She also had unique talents for home decorating, flower arranging, and dressing in style.

We believe Marilyn is now part of a joyful reunion with her beloved mother and father, her dear grandparents, and many adored kitties and pets. She is survived by John Alleman and their children: Traci Alleman, John Griffiths Alleman, Diana (Trigger) Whitaker; four grandchildren: Nico, Calvin, Ida, Karl, and one more on the way; her sister, Anne Stewart, and her brother, Bill (Mary) Griffiths.

Marilyn loved a quote which her dear friend, Franny Sumner, found:
“I will not be another flower, picked for my beauty and left to die. I will be wild, difficult to find, and impossible to forget.” ~Erin Van Vuren~

Marilyn was one of a kind, and it will be impossible to forget her. She will be buried in the Brigham City Cemetery with her beloved mother and father. A family memorial service will be held around the time of her birthday and will be determined by her family later.


Guestbook/Condolences

What a beautiful description of “wildflower” Marilyn. I met her in Las Vegas when she lived next door to dear Don & Peggy Welch. We both had children the same age & we instantly became friends. I will never forget her smile and laugh. She was such a vibrant, full of life gal. I am so thankful to have known her & I will cherish all the memories. Sending all my love to her beautiful family. ❤️❤️❤️ Shelly


- Shelly Schuster

My heart is broken. I loved Marilyn and remembered the many times we spent together in the Kappa House. We shared many experiences and lots of laughter together. She was truly a burst of joy and sunshine. I was so glad she married John because I knew how much she loved him. She adored her children and was so proud of each one. I pray that your sweet memories of this amazing lady will help ease the pain of her passing.


- Christine Anderson Fairclough

Never Forgotten. Always Remembered. Friends Forever.


- David Sundquist

Sorry for your loss. It's been awhile but you are still in our thoughts. Would love to see you sometime.
Ross & Shelley Beck


- Ross 'Ed' & Shelley Beck

Marilyn was one of my first friends when we moved into Las Vegas from Nellis AFB. We weren’t even old enough to be in kindergarten at the time. She was a few months older than me and would be a year ahead in school. I loved going to her house, which was just across the street and down a couple of houses from ours. We would spend time playing records on her record player and doing the things kids do like playing in the water on hot summer days.

I followed her up through elementary, junior high and high school always with a quiet friendliness until she went off to college at U of U. A few years passed before we connected again in Provo. A tragic accident had injured her and caused deep emotional hurt in her recent past but she had met John and was healing. She was living around the corner from me and I would drop by and she would tell me about her growing love for John. It was good to see her happy and progressing.

Life happened and our ways separated without contact for many years. I was pleased to find her again living in SLC. We were living in Washington but occasionally came to Utah. We had communicated some on Facebook and we found that we were both avid fans of felines and shared a few stories about our beloved pets. That she went by Catt was not surprising. Her special love for her black beauties and her garden came out in those communication and was not surprising to me.

Having moved back to Utah last year, I felt the opportunity to get together and share stories from our lives might present itself. That meeting and conversation will have to wait.

My deepest condolences to Bill and Ann. My sympathies to John and her children. You likely know, even better than I, what a special person Marilyn was. The world is more empty without her wonderful spirit here.


- Clare wixom

John I am so sorry to hear the bad news. Catt was a very good friend as you are too. It breaks my heart, she was so beautiful and kind. I am really going to miss her especially knowing I will never see her in Vallarta with you again. Please express my condolences to your children.


- Nick Sanchez

My condolences to the whole family, I am very sad for Marilyn's departure, I know it is not goodbye but see you soon, I know that one day we will see each other again, a memory when I met you and John, they are my best friends, you were always there when I went through difficult times supporting me, I will be eternally grateful, I always have you in my mind and heart, I will always remember your pleasant smile, come back friend, rest in peace I send you a big hug I love you very much from your friend Luis from Puerto Vallarta🙏🏻♥️


- Luis castillo rufino

Marilyn was a good friend when I moved to Las Vegas. I enjoyed my times with her in her parents home and other activities. My condolences to her family as they mourn her passing


- Jim Hope