A celebration of a long life, well lived! A light has been extinguished in Idyllwild on May 1, 2010. Marilyn Jean (Johnson) Moneysmith has passed from this world, leaving a legacy of kindness, generosity and intelligent creativity behind for those who loved her to remember.

Born June 9, 1925, in Chicago, she married A.D. “Slim” Moneysmith on January 15, 1944 in Oklahoma City. Marilyn and Slim met when he visited the USO where she served fresh donuts to military men during WWII. Slim was a handsome Marine and the two quickly fell in love.

Following the war, Marilyn and Slim made their home in San Diego for more than 40 years. In 1988, they moved to Idyllwild where Marilyn was a founding member of the Idyllwild Quilt Guild. Over the 22 years Marilyn lived here, she won many awards for her wonderful quilts and mentored new quilters in the craft. Her sewing room was always open to those needing a lesson or two.

Marilyn was also a member of the American Legion Post 800 Auxiliary and could often be found at the Post on Friday nights enjoying dinner with friends. She also joined Soroptimists until her health forced her to cut back on her volunteer activities.

Marilyn died of cancer on May 1, 2010. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister; and her husband, Slim. She is survived by her daughter, Carol Mendoza; two grandsons, Robert D. Mendoza and wife Jena Burke, and Michael A. Mendoza and wife Aimee’ Mendoza; two great-grandchildren, Maya and Max Mendoza; brother Alan Johnson and wife Scotty; son-in-law Robert A. Mendoza; and brother-in-law Jack Brabben.

Marilyn is also survived by a circle of friends who will miss her tremendously. Her smile, her tender care for others, and her wry sense of humor — not to mention her wonderful luncheons and dinner parties — will be the stuff of Idyllwild memories and legends for years to come. Those who are left behind are left richer for having known Marilyn Moneysmith.

Marilyn’s family asks that in lieu of flowers, friends may make a donation in her name to the Idyllwild HELP Center or to the Friends of the Idyllwild Library.

A Celebration of Marilyn’s Life is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, May 22, at the American Legion Idyllwild Post 800, with luncheon to follow provided by the Legion Auxiliary and the Idyllwild Quilt Guild.

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