Marilyn Frances Caldwell
February 18, 1939 - March 13, 2026

Marilyn Frances Koester ''Grandma'' Caldwell

With profound love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, the family of Marilyn Frances Koester ''Grandma'' Caldwell announces her peaceful passing on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Highland Meadows Health and Rehabilitation, surrounded by the loving presence of her children.
A rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Rockwall, Texas, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Mark Garrett officiating.
Visitation will be held Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home in Greenville, Texas.

Marilyn was born on February 18, 1939, in Wichita, Kansas, to Hilda Catherine Simon Koester and Henry David Koester. She graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School and soon after began her career as a flight attendant for Braniff Airlines. Though she enjoyed her early career, Marilyn's greatest joy came in marrying the love of her life, Jim on December 20, 1959, and devoting her heart and energy to raising their children.
After living in five different states, Marilyn and Jim eventually made their home in Greenville, Texas. There she fully embraced what would become the most meaningful role of her life - being a mother, grandmother, and the heart of a growing family.
To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was simply ''Grandma,'' a title she wore with pride and love. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and belonging. Grandchildren had their own room and clothes waiting for them at Grandma's house, and countless weekends, spring breaks, and summers were spent under her loving care. She created a home where everyone felt welcomed, known, and deeply loved.
Marilyn was a woman of many talents and generous service. She was a Girl Scout leader, a P.E. teacher, a faithful supporter at sporting events and band practices, and even spent time tooling saddles for Jimmy Cook. Her creativity led her to work as an interior designer, and later she became a successful realtor. In every role she embraced, Marilyn brought warmth, dedication, and a genuine care for people.
Faith was the foundation of Marilyn's life. She was a devoted member of St. William Catholic Church and later Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. At Our Lady of the Lake, she faithfully served in the Council of Catholic Women and joyfully helped with the church's Pumpkin Patch fundraiser. One of her most meaningful ministries was serving on the bereavement team, where she helped ensure that families experiencing loss were met with compassion, care, and the loving presence of their church community.
She also found great joy in working with the youth group and served as the head cook on many FISH mission trips. Whether feeding hungry teenagers or comforting grieving families, Marilyn gave freely of her time, her energy, and her heart.
Her favorite saying reflected the way she lived each day: ''I never know what God wants me to do that day until the phone rings.'' Whenever that call came, Marilyn answered with a willing spirit and an open heart.
Marilyn had a deep love for adventure and travel. She and Jim shared many wonderful journeys overseas, and she embraced every opportunity to explore the world alongside friends and family. Yet no destination ever meant more to her than home - especially when it was filled with children, grandchildren, and laughter.

In her later years, Marilyn often reflected with gratitude that she had lived a beautiful life full of love and joy. She made sure each member of her family knew just how deeply they were loved. In her own words, she often said, ''All of my kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids know that I loved them with all my heart.''

Marilyn is survived by her children Kimberly Caldwell Boggs McKay (Joel), Kelly Caldwell Colbert (Michael), Kevin Caldwell (Mary), and Katherine Caldwell Crane (Dean).Her beloved grandchildren Keagan Boggs (BJ), Kirsten Boggs Vaughan (Ethan), Devon Colbert (Emily), Nathan Colbert (Taylor), Jack Colbert (Kaelyn Gross), Jim Caldwell (Danielle), Noel Crane Baker (Reid), Ranly Crane (Hannah), and Scott Adams (Angie) Her treasured great-grandchildren Bryce Brower (Karli), Kamdyn Boggs, Hettie Vaughan, Chrissy Vaughan, Levi Colbert, Deagan Colbert, Greyton Colbert, Hudson Colbert, Camden Colbert, Anthony Caldwell, Charles Caldwell, Lilly Baker, Zoe Baker, Mila Crane, Dillon Adams, and Austin Adams. Her great-great-grandchild Braxton Brower.

She was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Hilda Koester, husband Jimmy Lee Caldwell, grandsons Christopher Boggs and Camden Boggs, son in law Gary Don Boggs, brother Charles Koester (Cleora), and sisters Rita Kolbe (Chuck) and Ruthann Whitehead (Bill).
She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her kindness.

Marilyn's life was defined by faith, generosity, hospitality, and unconditional love. She leaves behind a legacy not measured in accomplishments alone, but in the countless lives she nurtured, encouraged, and embraced.

Though her family's hearts are heavy with loss, they are comforted by the immeasurable gift of having been loved by her. Her spirit will live on in every shared story, every gathered family table, and every act of kindness done in her memory.
She will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and lovingly remembered as the heart of her family.

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