Marily Lee Bruffett

A beautiful life of 80 years came to a peaceful close on July 28, 2026, when Marilyn Bruffett joined the angels in heaven. 

Marilyn Lee Ekberg was born on January 24, 1946, to Harry and Beulah Ekberg. She was their first daughter and the first grandchild on both sides of the family. A newspaper clipping from 1946 captured Marilyn as an infant surrounded by adoring relatives, with the caption, “Baby Marilyn Lee Ekberg is a fortunate little girl with eleven living ancestors in her home community to look after her welfare.” From the beginning, Marilyn was deeply loved and cherished by her family. 

She soon shared that love with her younger sister, Linda, and the twins, Carol and Betty, who all arrived by their parents’ fourth wedding anniversary. With numerous cousins joining the growing extended family, Marilyn naturally took on a special role in caring for others and was affectionately known as “Cousin #1.”

 Marilyn’s childhood included 4-H projects, farm responsibilities, school activities, and an active church life at Calvary Lutheran Church in Wray. To keep up with their activities, Marilyn often drove her younger sisters to town from the family home near Beecher Island. 

Her love of sports began early when Grandpa Ekberg took her to baseball games. She shared that love with her dad throughout their lives, often discussing the Rockies during their afternoon calls. Marilyn was also an avid Denver Broncos fan and enjoyed tuning in to watch wrestling, rodeos, and NASCAR. 

After graduating from Wray High School in 1964, Marilyn earned a degree from Central Business College in Denver. She returned to Wray for a time to work for Grutter and Callahan Law Office before returning to Denver, where she built a career in customer service and administrative support at Stapleton Airport, AT&T, and Comcast. 

Marilyn married James Bruffett on July 10, 1970. Together, they raised beagles and operated Bruffett Towing Service in the Denver metropolitan area. Although their marriage ended in divorce and Jim later passed away, Marilyn’s years in Denver became an important part of her life. She became exceptionally familiar with the metro area and was often the person friends and family called for directions and advice about getting around Denver. 

Although Marilyn lived away from her family for much of her adult life, she remained at the heart of the family. She was the “keeper of the kin” and family historian, remembering birthdays, anniversaries, stories, and connections. She attended church virtually with Gary and Vi Beverlin in Granby. 

Marilyn’s love for others often arrived in the mailbox. She sent countless cards for birthdays, holidays, special occasions, and simply because she was thinking of someone. She stayed connected through frequent phone calls, thoughtful gifts, and small acts of kindness, making people feel remembered and loved. 

Marilyn is survived by her sisters, Linda Ingo (Ed) and Betty Jeurink; brother-in-law, Glenn Chapman; nephew Cory Jeurink (Lorena); nieces Melanie Hall, Andrea Ingo, and Tobi Thomas (Chad); and great-nieces and great-nephews Garrett (Elleri), Griffin, and Gavin Hall, and Ethan, Emily, and Ellie Jeurink.

She is also survived by first cousins Eric Brueggeman, Donald Brueggeman, Jenean Hovel, Chris Renzelman, Lynette Harms, Bill Renzelman, Kathy Pollard, Connie Murphy, Karen Ekberg, Laurie Jones, and Lisa Ekberg. Marilyn’s extended family of friends included longtime friend Cheryl Groothuis. 

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Beulah Ekberg; her sister, Carol Chapman; cousins Alan and Billie Brueggeman; grandparents John and Velma Ekberg and William and Freda Brueggeman; aunts and uncles, Donald and Pauline Brueggeman, Rhoda and Alfred Renzelman, and Nelson and Jacque Ekberg. 

Marilyn’s life was defined by the countless small ways she showed love. She remembered people, stayed in touch, sent cards, made calls, gave thoughtful gifts, and kept family stories alive. In doing so, she created a legacy of connection and caring. In honor of Marilyn, her family encourages all who loved her to carry forward what she did so well: stay connected to the people you love. Send a card, make a phone call, give a small gift, or share a meal with someone special. As Mother Teresa so beautifully said, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” Marilyn lived that truth. 

Services will be held on Saturday, September 12, at 10:00 a.m. at Jones Family Funeral Home in Wray. The service will also be live streamed through the mortuary website. Graveside services will follow at the Armel Cemetery with lunch at the Beecher Island Dining Hall after. Donations can be made to Calvary Lutheran Church.