Marilee June Wear

 Marilee June Wear, age 93, was born January 29, 1930, on a farm in Johnson County, Kansas, the first of six children of Anthon and Gladys (Walters) Sundbye. She passed away on July 29, 2023, surrounded by her family. Marilee found the love of her life in her husband Maurice Wear—they married in 1950 and were on the move ever since, welcoming their daughters into the world, traveling together, and celebrating their wonderful family. 

Marilee graduated as valedictorian of her class at Halstead High School in Kansas, where she won the state championship with her debate team. As a young girl, Marilee attended rural schools, spending her summers driving the tractor alongside Pop, her father—always working and greeting every farm season first with hard work and then, on every Sunday, homemade ice cream, her forever favorite dessert.  

Marilee attended Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas for two years, and after marrying Maurice in 1950, she began her career in elementary education, also excelling as an excellent seamstress and piano teacher, as well as loving mother to twin daughters Barbara and Janice, born in 1951. The family moved from Wichita to Valley Center, Kansas in 1954 where daughters Carol and Judy were born in 1957 and 1960. Barbara “Barbie” died in August 1957. Their brave daughter whom Marilee described as “always happy,” lived with cerebral palsy and joined Marilee’s sister Joy, who died at age 10, in heaven. 

In 1964, Marilee and Maurice moved their family to Laramie, Wyoming, where they attended the University of Wyoming—Marilee completing her bachelor’s degree and Maurice earning his Doctorate. For the next 53 years, Marilee and Maurice called Laramie home, both serving as community and church advocates. Marilee served as Treasurer & President of the District UMW and Treasurer of the Conference UMW, and she held leadership and member positions, including Treasurer and President of the following organizations: the Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women, the University Women’s Club, the Laramie Woman’s Club, and Chapter E, P.E.O. 

Through the years, Marilee was the best hostess, gathering community, family, and friends together for reunions, picnics, and celebrations. She was famous for her cherry pie making. With red being her signature color, Marilee always wore cardinal red lipstick and nail polish. She loved traveling with her husband Maurice locally and abroad, and many of their family’s cherished adventures were Disney trips all together. Before there was Mickey and Minnie—there was Maurice and Marilee. In December 2011, Maurice passed away after several months of ill health; he kept the dream alive, continuing to rally for another family Disney trip.

In 2017, Marilee moved to Salt Lake City, to be near family, just in time for her grandson’s wedding and the Utah Arts Festival. She called Legacy Village her home and welcomed everyone for a “nice visit,” and to share popcorn and cookies. Her laughter always brightened our days, like the many tiny, figurine birds she collected and adored. And like the hummingbirds she loved, Marilee never stopped moving. The Cardinal was her favorite bird, a giveaway in brilliant red, and a symbol that angels are near. 

Marilee is preceded in death by her beloved husband Maurice (2011) and her treasured daughter Barbara Joy (1957). She is survived by Jan (Jim) Gillette, WY; Carol (Randy) Rock Springs, WY; Judy (Rod) Salt Lake City, her nine grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren. 

A celebration of life with family and friends is planned on Friday, August 11 at 10AM at Christ United Methodist Church, Salt Lake City with Pastor Bruce Kolasch officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Aspire Hospice through their nonprofit organization Aspiration Foundation at aspirationsutah.org.