The Life of Marilyn Jane Boswell

When and where were you born?

She was born on February 3, 1941, in Scott City, KS.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

When she was little, she wished to be a music teacher.

When did you learn to play the piano?

She began taking piano lessons at the age of 6, and to this day plays piano in church services, and even just at family gatherings for fun.

Did you have any pets growing up?

Her family had tons of pets growing up, and they could even have them in the house, which was exciting considering they lived in the country, and she won't allow pets in her own house. She didn't have any particular favorites, except the one that pooped on her brother's head (long story...).

What was school like for you?

She lived in the country growing up, so she went to a one room school house until high school, with just 14 students in all grades combined. She liked school because everybody did everything, and everybody knew everybody. In high school, she went into the city, and she was very nervous to go to a 14 student school to a 500 student school.

Did you participate in any sports or activities?

As previously stated, every body did everything, so she played softball, track, more specifically the long jump, and in high school went to a lot of music contests, consistently scoring 1's in both singing and piano.

What kind of a teenager were you?

When she was in high school, she was very shy and quiet, but found her niche with music and really began to break out of her shell.

Are there any funny stories between you and your siblings?

One funny story that her and her brother share is one day while they were walking home from school, he saw a skunk, and tried to out run it, but he was sprayed. Just him, not her. When they got home their mother buried his clothes as far away from their house as they could.

What was your first job?

Her first job was at a soil conservation service.

Who influenced you the most while growing up?

The people who influenced her the most were her parents, and her church youth group leader, who was also the 4H sewing leader.

Do you remember the first time you saw a television?

Her and her family got their first television when she was 15, and they didn't receive many channels, mostly that annoying snow. ~FUN FACT~ She sang on TV once in high school.

How did you feel about technology changing?

She was absolutely amazed at technology changing, because when she was growing up they didn't even have indoor plumbing, or toilet paper, but who needs a bathroom when you have a backyard and a shovel? They had to bring water in from the pump in a bucket when they needed water.

Were there any memorable national evens taking place while you were growing up?

She was just a little girl when World War II ended, but she remembered people talking about it for years. She was a young married woman when JFK was killed, but it didn't affect her much.

What is the most special vacation you've been on?

Her and her family went to Yellow Stone National Park and Washington to see an uncle of hers, which was very exciting and memorable.

What is your favorite hobby?

Her favorite hobbies are playing the piano, sewing, and cooking (she is a VERY good cook).

How did the wars America was fighting affect you?

None of the wars really affected her, she knew they were going on, but she didn't really think about them often.

How did racism affect you?

Racism never affected her growing up, and she still hasn't really experienced any horribly racist things, where she grew up, everyone around was white, and even when she moved to the city she didn't see anything worth remembering. She doesn't have any bias, so she doesn't typically see racism.

What are some important lessons you have learned throughout your life?

If something is bothering you and you've done everything you can, there is no use worrying about it.



If all else fails, go to the Lord.

Is there any quote or bible verse that you live by or stem your morals from?

The 23 Psalm is very inspiring to her, and it basically says how the Lord will always be there for you even when you feel alone.

Is there anything you wish you would've done but didn't?

She wishes that when her and her second husband got married, that they would have invited all of their children. They got married, just them and a pastor, and told all of their family members the next day.

How did you meet Grandpa B?

Her second husband, Floyd Boswell, lived just 10-15 miles down the road when they were little kids, and they were even in the same 4H club, but they lost contact until they were reacquainted as adults at her job.

What do you want me to tell my children about you?

She wants me to tell my kids that she was fun and funny. She was short but it didn't take away any of her huge personality. She was a very good cook, and just making her recipes won't cut it, you would have to have it made by her.

What is your proudest moment?

Her proudest moment was when she had her children. (She is my dad's mom)

What is your biggest regret?

Her biggest regret was having a failed marriage, but in the end, happiness is what matters the most, and if you saw her, she is one of the happiest people I know.

What is your advice to teenagers today?

Her advice to teenagers today is to not let your peers mislead you into doing bad things, especially if you know they're wrong. Listen to your parents and your grandma, and know that God is always there for you. Do more of what makes you happy.