Marilyn Frances "Grandma" Caldwell

Marilyn Frances Koester Caldwell, lovingly known as “Grandma” to her family, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, at Highland Meadows Health and Rehabilitation, surrounded by her children. 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 began her career as a flight attendant for Braniff Airlines. Her greatest joy came after marrying the love of her life, Jim, on December 20, 1959, and devoting herself to raising their children.

After living in five different states, Marilyn and Jim settled in Greenville, Texas, where she embraced her most cherished role as 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. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and belonging, where grandchildren always had their own room and clothes waiting, and countless weekends, spring breaks, and summers were spent in her loving care.

Marilyn was a woman of many talents and generous service. She served as a Girl Scout leader, P.E. teacher, and faithful supporter at sporting events and band practices. Her creativity led her to work as an interior designer and later as a successful realtor. Faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted member of St. William Catholic Church and later Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, she served in the Council of Catholic Women, helped with the Pumpkin Patch fundraiser, and found special meaning in ministering on the bereavement team. She also joyfully worked with the youth group and served as head cook on many FISH mission trips. Her favorite saying, “I never know what God wants me to do that day until the phone rings,” reflected the willing and open-hearted way she lived.

Marilyn and Jim shared many adventures traveling overseas, yet no destination ever meant more to her than home filled with children, grandchildren, and laughter. She often reflected with gratitude on the beautiful life she had lived, making sure every member of her family knew how deeply they were loved.

She is survived by her children Kimberly Caldwell Boggs McKay (Joel), Kelly Caldwell Colbert (Michael), Kevin Caldwell (Mary), and Katherine Caldwell Crane (Dean); her 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); and 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, as well as her great-great-grandchild Braxton Brower.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Hilda Koester, her 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 will be deeply missed and forever remembered as the loving heart of her family.