Maddie Norton (one of Marilynn’s grandchildren) is and has been my best friend for many years. Marilynn opened her home to me countless times where I was blessed enough to join on family vacations or when Maddie and I took little trips to Utah. As someone who didn’t grow up with a constant grandmotherly presence- it only emphasized my amazement of Marilynn; to see and witness how gracious and loving she was not only to her grandchildren but to ME- just granddaughter’s friend! She was truly a light! So classy and witty, and just the epitome of grace and warmth. To know Maddie and her mother, Katie, was to know Marilynn. They spoke of her constantly and inherited that warmth that touches everyone they meet. She will be greatly missed, and I am thankful to have known her! I love you Norton family, and you will continue to be in my prayers. I find comfort in knowing that you will reunited with her one day. Love always.
In Loving Memory
Marilynn Joy Tingey Marriott
1939•2026
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Obituary
Marilynn Joy Tingey Marriott, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and devoted servant of God, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026, at the age of 86.
Marilynn was born on November 23, 1939, in Brigham City, Utah, the only child of Russell Byron Tingey and Blythe Evans Tingey. She grew up in a loving home where faith, education, and family were cherished. Her father served in the bishopric, and her mother was a beloved teacher and Primary chorister with a beautiful singing voice. Together, they instilled in Marilynn a deep testimony of Jesus Christ and a lifelong commitment to service. Although she was an only child, Marilynn enjoyed a rich childhood surrounded by cousins who were like sisters to her. Her fondest memories included family picnics in Box Elder Canyon, vacations in Sun Valley, and ice skating in Logan.
Marilynn attended Box Elder Junior High School, where she received the Outstanding Girl Award and served as a student body officer. She graduated from Box Elder High School in the spring of 1958, where she served as editor of the yearbook and cheered in the pep club. In the fall of 1958, Marilynn enrolled at Utah State University in Logan, where she pledged Alpha Chi Omega sorority and lived in the sorority house for the remainder of her college years. During the summer between her junior and senior years, Marilynn was appointed by Senator Frank Moss to serve as an intern in Washington, D.C., providing her with an early introduction to the political world that would later become an important part of her life. She graduated from Utah State University in 1962.
After completing her student teaching in Ogden and Brigham City, Marilynn began her career as a fourth-grade teacher at Bonneville Elementary School in Salt Lake City, where she taught from 1963 to 1967. She was a gifted and caring educator who touched the lives of countless young students during those formative years.
The defining joy of Marilynn’s life was her family. She met David Daniel “Dan” Marriott on a blind date in 1964 while she was teaching at Bonneville Elementary. They hit it off immediately, and Dan later proposed by writing his proposal on a napkin at the Marriott Hot Shops in Salt Lake City. On August 16, 1965, Marilynn and Dan were married in the Salt Lake Temple.
Marilynn devoted herself wholeheartedly to motherhood and family life. She and Dan were blessed with four children: David Russell, Jon Michael, Katherine “Katie” Nicole, and Lindsay Blythe. She ensured that her children participated in sports and other activities and took great pleasure in watching them grow and succeed. She was (and is) the heart of the Marriott home—nurturing, supportive, and steadfast through every season of life.
When Dan was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1976, Marilynn became his constant companion and greatest supporter. She gracefully navigated the demands of political life, moving the family to the Washington, D.C., area and supporting Dan through four terms in Congress while raising their children. She traveled with Dan on Congressional delegations throughout the world, visiting Taiwan, the South Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, always representing their family with warmth, dignity, and grace.
Throughout her life, Marilynn was a devoted and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served as the Primary President and later as the Young Women’s President in the Monument Park Ward. She and Dan later served together as mission leaders in the South Africa Cape Town Mission, a crowning experience of their shared faith and service. Her quiet faith, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to the gospel were felt by all who knew her.
Marilynn cherished her friendships and maintained lifelong bonds with her sorority sisters from Utah State University, her dear cousin Sharon Juber, and the many wonderful families in the neighborhood and ward. She was known for her warmth, her enthusiasm, and her gift for making others feel loved and welcome.
Marilynn is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 61 years, Dan; her four children, David Russell Marriott (Emily), Jon Michael Marriott (Kristen), Katherine “Katie” Nicole Norton (Chris), and Lindsay Blythe Marriott; and grandchildren she adored: Cassie, William, Maddie, Coco, Mason, Max, Jake, Jack, Cooper, Elliot, Dulcinea, and Olivia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell Byron Tingey and Blythe Evans Tingey.
Her mother once wrote to her: “May the sweet memories of your childhood; the fun and perplexities of your teenage years; the happiness and success of your college years; the supreme joy of your marriage and motherhood, and the love, peace, and security that you feel each day remain with you always.” Marilynn lived a life that fulfilled every measure of that blessing. She was a woman of faith, grace, and boundless love whose influence will endure for generations through the family she nurtured and the lives she touched.
A viewing will be held on Monday, July 27, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Princeton Ward meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 1005 South 2000 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Funeral services will follow at the same location from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Flowers may be sent to the church or Larkin Mortuary at 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah.
To watch the funeral services remotely via Zoom, please click the "Watch Services" button or use the following link: Zoom Livestream
Tributes
Sister Marriott was my "Mission Mom". She was an angel! Full of love and concern for us as missionaries. Always happy to see us and check on how we were.
I still remember the 1 to 1 conversations we had, and the advice she gave me in times of challenge.... I know how much I will miss her having only known her for a short time in that context.
My heartfelt condolences go out to her family x
We are so saddened by this news. Marilynn is who we all strive to be like when we grow up. She was the loviest of ladies and was completely dedicated to her family, community, and to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. We are seeing the fruits of their labors from when they served as mission leaders in Africa—in the African missionaries that are now serving in our mission. It’s just incredible.
We send so much love to your family and have you all in our hearts.
Marilynn took a big bite out of life! Growing up on Princeton Drive was a real blessing for me because you had several amazing, strong women who acted like second moms. Susan Winters, Beth Prince, Kay Sorensen, Karen Droubay, Saundra Parker, Lee Yates, and the one and only Marilynn Marriott. Marilynn was a quintessential peacemaker. When David was not busy spiking the Koolaid, he was always creating football games and baseball games for all the boys in the neighborhood, and Marilynn was always mending fences with the Palmers for rogue foul balls that landed in their front yard or calming Anne Greenband down for “secret missions” that were not so secret. I have amazing memories of living with the Marriotts down in Springdale as Mike opened Switchback, and Marilyn was right beside us in the trenches busing tables, taking orders with Karen and Sparky and Jurgën, and ordering high end swag for the budding gift shop. The Oswald’s , Yates, and Marriotts left a big mark on Lake Powell, and Marilynn and Dan putting around on the Jubilee always brings back hundreds of fond memories. I will miss catching up and conversing with Marilynn, and I appreciate the positive impact she has left on my heart. I send my love to Dan and all the kids for the loss of such an incredible lady.
I came to know Sister Marilynn Marriott while serving as a full-time missionary in the South Africa Cape Town Mission. During that time, she truly became a mission mother to us. The love, kindness, and genuine care I received from both Sister Marriott and President Marriott have remained with me throughout the years.
Sister Marriott's Christlike love and compassion touched many lives, including mine. I will always be grateful for her encouragement, guidance, and the example she set.
My heartfelt condolences to President Marriott and the entire Marriott family during this difficult time. May our Heavenly Father comfort and strengthen you, grant you peace, and remind you of the hope we have through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sister Marriott's legacy of faith, service, and love will continue to live on in the many lives she blessed.
With love, prayers, and deepest sympathy.
I have done Marilyn's hair for many many years probably 50 we've shared so many moments together the family's been like my family I loved her dearly there's a big hole in my heart I know I'll see her again but it's very difficult when you see somebody every week whenever I had a problem she would talk to me whenever she had one she would talk to me I'll miss that more than anyone will ever know I love you Marilyn rest in peace
So many good childhood memories with you and your mom and dad. What a great life you have had!!
I had the honor of being Marilyn and Dan's ministering brother for several years and it was faith promoting and very enjoyable spending time with Marilyn. She is a true Saint in every sense of the word. We will miss her strong testimony and fun spirit in the Ward. We pray that Dan and your family will have the comforter with you during this difficult time.
I was privileged enough to grow up next door to the Marriott family my entire life! Marilynn and Dan treated me as one of their own grandkids and truly so loved! My life is richer because of Marilynn’s legacy. Her kindness, friendship, and service she provided our family will forever be cherished. All of my love and condolences to the Marriott family.
We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. While we didn’t have the privilege of knowing your mom, we know you—and anyone who raised someone as kind, beautiful, and genuine as you must have left an incredible mark on the world. We hope you find comfort in the love that surrounds you and in the memories you’ll always carry with you. Please know we’re thinking of you and your family and are sending you all our love during this difficult time.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Kim Ly and Fred
We had the privilege of getting to know Marilynn when our daughter Kristen and Mike Marriott met and felt in love. Marilynn and I became fast friends and I knew she and I would be good friends. During our friendship we spent many hours laughing and sharing times. I grew to love her and learned so much from her. IBoth Larry and I will miss her but know she is in the loving arms of our Savior.
As I listened to everyone speak today I was transported back to when I lived on Laird Dr. I remember the gorilla costume! It was so realistic to me when I was little it scared me. Marilynn showed me there was nothing to be frightened of.
I remember Marilynn’s crepes the morning after a sleepover.
Marilynn’s laugh was contagious and her wit, humor and the way she told stories were so engaging. She always made me laugh. I look up to her in always and I have so much respect for her. She was honest, sincere and like my Dad she made you feel like you were the most important person as she engaged in conversations with me. She made me feel loved and accepted. I am so grateful to her because she gave me love and support during some really hard times.
She will be missed. She had such a positive impact on me and I will forever be grateful that I was blessed to have her in my life.
She was so much fun too when I was little. She always would say “Becky you make me laugh”. That made me happy I could make her laugh.
Thank you for the service today. You all did wonderful. It was a beautiful service in remembrance of Marilynn. I will miss her.
I love you guys! Thank you again.
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