Marilyn Ruth Nielsen Spence Vidmar

Marilyn Ruth Nielsen Spence Vidmar, age 95, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on May 1, 2026, in Murray, Utah. She was born on April 6, 1931, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Niels Bjarne Nielsen and Lillian Irene Johnson Nielsen. She was the fourth of nine children.

Growing up during the Great Depression, in a home where there was very little to spare, Marilyn learned the merits of prudent and provident living. Those early lessons shaped her life, instilling in her a deep sense of hard work, thrift, gratitude, and resourcefulness. Few things brought her more satisfaction than using a coupon, finding a discount, or stretching a dollar farther than anyone thought possible.

On October 28, 1949, Marilyn married John C. Spence in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Together they built a family and a life centered on faith, work, service, and love.

Following the death of her first husband in 1979, Marilyn went to work as a bank teller at United Savings, where she continued to demonstrate the same diligence, dependability, and work ethic that defined her life. She retired 20 years later. In 2001, she married John Vidmar and relocated to Southern California, where they lived for 15 years.

Marilyn had remarkable energy and was rarely idle. Whether she was cleaning, organizing, serving others, or reading her scriptures, she turned ordinary tasks into expressions of devotion. Those who knew her well might say she had more energy than the Energizer Bunny. She was never happier than when she was scrubbing, polishing, or finding something useful to do.

She also had a playful and competitive side. Marilyn loved spending time with family and enjoyed games such as Skip-Bo and Mexican Train. Whether she was playing with her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren, she played to win — and if she won, she made sure everyone knew the score. These moments of laughter, teasing, and family competition became treasured memories for those who loved her.

Marilyn was a devoted BYU football fan and was loyal to the very end. On more than one occasion, she admitted to praying for her favorite Cougar team to win. Had BYU known the full measure of her loyalty, they might have drafted her as their mascot.

She had a style all her own. Regardless of the month or season, Marilyn loved her white slacks paired with red, white, and blue tops and scarves. Her collection of more than a dozen pairs of bright white slacks reflected her personality: prepared, practical, patriotic, and perfectly herself. When she later moved to Copper Creek following her stroke, her closet also held enough toilet paper to last a year — a classic Marilyn detail that made her family smile.

Her years at Copper Creek gave her many unofficial opportunities to minister. Even in later life, Marilyn continued to notice people, serve where she could, and quietly influence those around her. Service was not something she simply talked about. It was part of who she was.

Above all, Marilyn’s life was defined by her testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and her deep love for her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith was the foundation of her life and the center of the legacy she leaves behind. She loved the scriptures, believed in eternal families, and lived with a quiet but steady devotion to the principles she held sacred.

Marilyn is survived by her three children, Kathy Spence, Vicki Stith (Joseph), and John Spence (Melanie); six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Niels Bjarne Nielsen and Lillian Irene Johnson Nielsen; her first husband, John C. Spence; her second husband, John Vidmar; and other beloved family members who welcomed her home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, May 7th at Goff Mortuary 8090 South State Street, Midvale, UT, with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:45am also at Goff Mortuary. Interment to follow services at Midvale City Cemetery

The family would like to thank Copper Creek Assisted Living & Memory Care in South Jordan for providing quality care, kindness, and support during Marilyn’s final years.

Marilyn’s family will remember her for her faith, work ethic, humor, competitive spirit, devotion to family, love of BYU football, perfectly white pants, and unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ. Her life was long, her roots were deep, and her influence will continue through the generations who loved her.