Marilyn was born March 10, 1934, in Ogden, Utah, the only daughter and second child of Leland Jesse and Edith Gidney Briem.

She attended Madison Elementary, Central Junior High, and graduated from Ogden High School in 1952. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Weber State University in 1989, and a Master of Education degree from Utah State University in 2008 at the age of 74.

On April 16, 1953, she married LuJean Walter ‘Luke’ Blakeley in the Logan Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and eventually two sons, Roger and Shayne, completed their family unit.

Many humorous memories were created by her impersonation of ‘Melrose the Bag Lady.’

She was a gardener extraordinaire and with Luke’s assistance transformed the untamed wilderness of their beloved home, Pirate Hill, into a majestic green cathedral.

Marilyn was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Weber Association of Master Gardeners, the Red Hat Society, and the Pioneer Chapter of the Utah Old Time Fiddlers & Country Music Association.

As a secretary she worked for the U.S. Forest Service, Bonneville High School, Weber School District, and retired from Weber State University as an office manager in 2002.

Faithfully she served her Church in various capacities. She was especially fond of working with youth and writing and directing road shows.

Adventure was her ultimate joy, whether it be jumping from an airplane or viewing the Serengeti from a hot air balloon, and she and Luke traveled the world. Tap dancing was another of her favorite things as well as spending time with grandchildren and a great nephew and nieces. She also loved and supported the performing arts.

Surviving are sons, Roger B. (Shelly) Blakeley, Unalaska, Alaska; Shayne Brad (April) Blakeley, Ogden, Utah; six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a brother, Rand (Vera) Briem, Ogden, Utah.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a stillborn daughter, and brothers, Glen Max Briem and Leland Ray Briem.

Gratitude is extended to caregivers Scallywag Dan, Cutthroat Wendy, Mad Dog Mike, Dastardly Deeds David, Bloodthirsty Wes, Lizardhands Lori, Skullcrusher Chris, and especially Madam Annette Mayhem.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Ben Lomond Ward, located at 4955 Adams Avenue, Ogden, Utah (adjacent to Golden West Credit Union Headquarters). Friends may visit family from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd., Ogden, and from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the church on Saturday. Interment, Brigham City Cemetery, 300 E 300 S, Brigham City.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the LuJean W. and Marilyn B. Blakeley Endowment Scholarship Fund at Weber State University.

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of Marilyn’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com where condolences may also be shared.