Marian Eileen (Parson) Bruderer

On the First Day of November, 1934; in Oakland, California; a beautiful little girl was born. Marian Eileen Parson was placed in the loving arms of her parents, Luther Alexander Parson, and Jennie Marie Katherine Matson Parson. A self-proclaimed “Tom Boy” and the only child of Lu and Jennie, Marian grew up roaming the Hillsides of Oakland.  Marian had a fondness for the outdoors, and for animals. She spent many hours training her dog, Taffy to do tricks; including pushing doll buggy, and pulling a wagon.

Marian grew up in the era where Cowboy was King.  She enjoyed watching Western TV shows such as Roy Rogers. She loved reading books that had anything to do with dogs or horses, and learned all she could about training animals.  She dreamed of one day owning her own horse. One day as she came home from church, her dad surprised her by saying, “Marian, would you like to go look at a horse?” And on that day, a little sorrel horse with a blaze face, became part of Marian’s childhood.  Appropriately, she named him “Pal.”  She went to work training Pal, and eventually placed high in Horse Team Drill Competitions. Marian gave riding lessons and mowed lawns to help pay for the care and keep of Pal. Her Dad built a small barn, and being on a hill, he had to carry a hay bale up the hill every few days.  Marian always appreciated this, and often said that every bite of hay that Pal ate, was carried up the hill on the back of her Dad.

Marian grew up in the Lutheran Faith.  She studied her bible lessons, and could quote scripture.  But more than just quote scripture, she lived by them.  She honored her father and mother; was honest, obedient, had impeccable integrity, and had a deep love of the Savior and her Heavenly Father; and a desire to live righteously.

Marian attended school in Oakland, California.  She was intelligent, and got good grades. She graduated from Castlemont High School in 1952. After graduation, Marian worked as a Telephone Operator, which she enjoyed.

Marian served in a group giving aid to the shell-shocked, and recovering service men at the Naval Hospital in Alameda.  Delbert was recovering from Polio and was ordered to do square dancing to work his shoulder.  Marian happened to be in the same square.  Against regulations, Del talked Marian into giving him her phone number. They soon began dating.  After a time, Del shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Marian. Marian studied both the Bible and Book of Mormon.  It took time, study, and a lot of faith and prayer, when one evening she got a powerful witness that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was the true church.  She was baptized by Del, and always strived to be the best member of the church she could be.  Before joining the church her favorite soft drink was coke, but she immediately gave that up.  And in her entire life she only swore once, when she accidently repeated something Del had said.  (oops!) 

On April 14, 1954 Del and Marian were married the Logan, Utah Temple. And from that day on, their hearts beat as one.  Marian loved Del’s family. After growing up as an only child, she absolutely loved and appreciated all of the wonderful relationships with them.  The Bruderer Family became her family!  

Marian was a great Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Friend.  She had a way of loving everyone she met, and often befriended the friendless.  She opened her heart and her home to many. Marian had many talents.  She swam, sewed; and was an avid reader. She wrote “Tales of the Trails”; a book documenting their 1000 mile horseback ride. She wrote poems for her deceased grandchildren.  She taught herself to knit and crochet. She could feed the 5000 with just some deer stew meat, and a sack of potatoes! Marian had a knack for teaching.  She taught the 11 year old boys in Primary and in Scouts. She taught everything from Articles of Faith, to Map Orienteering. She was a whiz at compass, and made many courses with a “Hidden Treasure” at the end. She could make a rope bridge - and a perfectly cooked tin foil dinner. She served with Del in scouts, and received the “Silver Beaver Award.” Del and Marian served a Mission to the Navajo People in Arizona. She put her heart and soul into teaching Seminary, and loved those children as her own.

Marian established many family traditions.  She made heart shaped cakes for Valentine’s Day, and Cherry Pie for President’s Day. She did countless Easter Egg Hunts, and some of those eggs still remain to be found! Thanksgiving Dinner was the Best!  And her rolls became legendary! Birthdays were always remembered.  Cards with a dollar for each year old were given. Christmas was always special.  She made sure that every child, grandchild, and great grandchild had a gift.  This became well over 100 gifts! She wrote Christmas cards, even though she was almost blind.  It was a labor of love.

But most of all we remember the Christmas Play.  She wrote her own version, using the scriptures as her guide, and adding her sense of humor in places.  We had scenery, and a real donkey for Mary to ride each year.  And of course Baby Jesus was always laid in the manger that Del had built.  We always felt the Spirit, and the Love of our Savior.

Mom, grandma, great grandma, and even great-great Grandma.  Your legacy is one of faith, integrity, and righteousness.  We will try to do as you taught us. You will always be in our hearts, and we know that we are in yours. We know that life is eternal, and although our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in the reunion with your Eternal Sweetheart, and your many grandchildren who were there to meet you. Marian passed away on October 18, 2023 in her home; surrounded by her family.

Del and Marian’s descendants number 7 Children and their spouses, 3 Navajo Foster Children, 43 Grandchildren, 79 Great Grand Children, and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren. Eight of these grandchildren were there to meet her on the other side. Besides her parents, Marian was also preceded in death by her sweetheart, Del, and her Half-Brother Richard Parson. We know that we have an Angel watching over us.  It is our Mom.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. Viewings will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 from 6-8 P.M. and prior to the service from 9-10 A.M. All services will be held at the Fielding Stake Center (4375 W 15600 N, Garland). Interment in the Logan Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and may be accessed below.

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT PAN THE CROWD AND THE CAMERA IS FIXED UPON THE PULPIT. WE WILL TRY AND LIVESTREAM THE FUNERAL SERVICE. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO DO SO, DUE TO THE INTERNET SERVICE AT THE CHURCH, A RECORDING WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN 24-48 HOURS AFTER THE SERVICE.