Marilyn James Kasteler

Heaven became a little brighter with the passing of our angel mother on Sunday, April 15, 2018.  Our precious mom and grandma, Marilyn James Kasteler, is free from her earthly afflictions and is once again able to hear and think clearly.  We were grateful that she stayed with us long enough to celebrate her 85th birthday, but we're so happy that she has been reunited with our dad and many other family members and friends who she loved and missed dearly.

Marilyn was born to John Cecil James and Gertrude Ellingford Hendricksen on April 7, 1933. Marilyn married Orson Wallace Kasteler in the Salt Lake Temple on January 16, 1953. They were married 64 years at the time of Wally's death on June 20, 2017.  Marilyn is survived by her 5 children: Kimm Crawford (Jeff), Karon Winn (Steve), Kris Leishman (Scott), Steve Kasteler (Tammy), and Janine Christensen (Scott).  She is also survived by 42 grandchildren and 53 great grandchildren, with one on the way.  She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings, and a great grandson.

A viewing will be held Thursday, April 19th at the Stone Creek Chapel, 1476 No. 300 W., Bountiful, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be held Friday, April 20th at 11:00 a.m. at the Stone Creek Chapel.  A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the service.

We express our love and gratitude to the wonderful staff at Layton Park Memory Care for their kind and loving care of our mother.  We also express our gratitude to the wonderful nurses and staff at AFI Advanced Care.

Our mom was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served with her whole heart in many callings throughout her life.  She enjoyed giving service but didn't seek any recognition for it.  She would pick up mail for her housebound neighbor and deliver it to her door every day, rain or shine. She also brought a meal to this sweet friend and neighbor every Sunday. She was truly an example of ministering to her friends.  

Our sweet mom was an exceedingly kind, loving, humble, & gracious little lady.  She never knew a stranger because she saw everyone as a friend.  Her trademark greeting to people was, "Hi Honey." The last thing she said was "Thank you, Honey" to a nurse caring for her before she passed away.  She was loved and adored by her "family" at Layton Park Memory Care.  And she loved them!  They were truly a family and mom told us on many occasions that she was happy being there with them.  Because of her kind and loving nature, even in the most difficult situation, mom was able to graciously accept the life she had for the last couple of years.

She especially loved little children. They brought her so much joy.  She always loved holding her new grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She insisted that they have a gift from her even after she was no longer able to shop for herself.  She was always concerned that they had soft blankets, warm coats and hats on, and comfy slippers so their feet would stay warm too.  There were always cookies and treats at grandma & grandpa's house when they came to visit.  She loved other people's children too.  Whenever she saw a baby or toddler she would always comment about how cute they were.  Mom was everyone's grandma.

Most of all, our sweet mom was the best mother anyone could be blessed with.  There was nothing she wouldn't do for her family.  She loved us unconditionally.  She made sure that our home was always clean, she was the best cook, and she took such good care of us.  She taught us the importance of service to others.  She taught us the importance of loving our Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ.  And all of these things were taught by example.  She never expected us to do anything she wouldn't do herself.  She taught us how to be good people.   We will be forever grateful to her for these lessons.

We love you, our sweet mom.  We will miss you but know that we'll see you and dad again because you taught us this.  We will be forever grateful for all you've done for us.