Services were held May 10 at First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson for Marian Slininger Gibson Gulardo, 85, of Jefferson.
The Rev Gordon Moen, pastor of the church, offered words of comfort. Music was provided by pianist Keri Brooker and soloist Bill Monroe. Honorary bearers were Dr Eugene Houk, David Finneseth, John Finneseth, Amanda Finneseth, Laura Finneseth, Eric Finneseth and Olivia Finneseth.
Casket bearers were C. Scott Finneseth, Steve Finneseth, Steve Gulardo, Jon Gibson, Tom Gibson and Tim Gibson. Interment was at the Jefferson Municipal Cemetery.
The family was assisted by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson.
Marian Slininger Gibson Gulardo peacefully passed away May 5, 2018, with her husband Bob and daughter Diane by her side.
Marian was born June 19, 1932, to Clyde L. and Wilma Winey Slininger in Carroll. Marian and her sister Kay were raised and lived above Slininger Funeral Home in Jefferson. Marian considered it a wonderful, although unique place to grow up. During her high school years, Marian many times helped her father when needed.
Marian graduated from Jefferson High School in 1950 and then attended University of Colorado in Boulder. There she met and fell in love with her first husband, Theodore (Ted). Marian and Ted married June 20, 1953, at the First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson. Marian and Ted lived in California while Ted completed his art degree. During this time they met and became good friends with Robert (Bob) and Beverly Gulardo.
Upon returning to Jefferson, Marian and Ted decided this is where they wanted to make a home. Ted returned to school for a short time, completing his degree in mortuary science. Marian and Ted lived and worked in Jefferson all their lives, adopting Bruce in 1961 and Diane in 1963. Marian was not only a busy mother, but was also very active in the community. She was a member of PEO. for more than 60 years, a past president of Beta Tau Delta, past president of the Jefferson Women’s Club, and a member of the First Presbyterian Church for more than 76 years, where she served on many committees and chaired the church’s 100th anniversary committee. She served on the board of the Presbyterian Home in Ackley for many years. She was also a member of several bridge groups, music club, Friday Study Club, and a 4-H leader.
Marian and Ted co-owned Slininger Funeral Home from 1973 – 1985. Upon retirement they enjoyed wintering at Carriage Manor in Mesa, AZ. Ted passed away September 6, 2002. Through the years, Ted and Marian, and Bob and Beverly remained good friends.
Marian and Bob Gulardo were united in marriage October 11, 2003 at the First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson. Bob and Marian enjoyed many fun times and adventures together, especially traveling and visiting friends. They enjoyed visiting their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Bob and Marian enjoyed getting out of the cold, spending their winters at Carriage Manor. For many years, Marian served as the Bible study coordinator, a job she greatly enjoyed. During this time they made many friends from all over the United States and Canada.
Marian is survived by her husband Bob of Jefferson; daughter Diane Gibson of Jefferson; son Bruce Gibson of Arizona; stepson Steve (Gay) Gulardo of Missouri; and sister Kay Finneseth of Jefferson. Marian is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Marian was preceded in death by her first husband Ted; her parents Clyde and Wilma Slininger; and other extended family members.
Memorials are suggested to First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson, Greene County Medical Center Foundation, or Broadway Chapel, Carriage Manor, Mesa.
