Marilyn (Bitton) Speas

Roy – Marilyn Bitton Speas, 93 died January 25, 2023 at Horizon Care Center, Eckert Colorado.  Marilyn was born November 26, 1929 to wonderful parents Ben and Anna Bitton in West Weber, Utah. Marilyn was one of eight children in the family.

Marilyn married Monte Speas in North Ogden, Utah on April 5, 1947.  Marilyn and Monte were married for 56 years until Monte death in 2003.  They had one son, Calvin “Clay” Speas who was born in 1959.

Marilyn was a farm girl and took great pride for the long hours she spent assisting her dad working the fields during World War II.  A common lunch for Ben and Marilyn was a vine ripened tomato that Ben would pick and wipe off the dirt on his old overalls.  The two would sit on the ditch bank and consume the warm sweet lunch.  This was one of her favorite memories.  She also supported the war effort by working on aircraft at Hill Airforce Base. As a Rosy the Riveter she worked on the b-17 flying fortress.

In 1959, with the birth of her son Clay, Marilyn became a full-time mom.  The Speas home became the gathering spot for all the kids in the neighborhood.  Freshly baked cookies, and her specialty chocolate cinnamon rolls were always available.  She also became a shuttle service as she took Clay and his friends, lizard hunting, fishing, and camping or anything else active boys liked to do.  She was loving, nurturing and when needed, a stern mother.

Marilyn was a founding member of Roy Christian Church where she worshiped God for over 50 years.   She was the spiritual head of the home ensuring her son grew to love and respect his creator.  Mom practiced her faith by always putting others first thru regular visits to nursing homes, cooking meals for those in need and visiting shut-ins.

Surviving are her son, Clay Speas and daughter-in-law Jan Speas of Delta, Colorado and two grandchildren Rand Speas and Rachel Shover and four great grandchildren; Ryan and Rory Speas and Amelia and Cameron Shover of Grand Junction, Colorado.  Marilyn also has one surviving sister, Vera Hulbert of San Jose, California.

The family thanks staff and patients at Horizon Care Center and HopeWest for the great care and love for mom the past 5-years.  Additional thanks to Roy Christian Church who served as Marilyn spiritual anchor for the past 60 years.  In particular, Pastor James Sayer who stayed in touch with Marilyn even after she moved to Colorado.

A celebration of life will be February 4, 2023 beginning at 10:00 a.m., at Roy Christian Church, 4347 S. 1900 W. Roy, Utah.  Following the service, the church will host a luncheon with a Denver Bronco theme since the Broncos were mothers favorite football team.  Interment, Henefer Cemetery where Marilyn will be laid next to Monte.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Roy Christian Church Scholarship Fund (please note “Marilyn” on any donation), which helps children and teens attend Christian summer camps and conferences.

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