Marilyn Starr Cromb McElhany

Marilyn Starr Cromb McElhany, 72, passed away Aug. 4, 2013, in Manitou Springs, Colo., after a battle with breast cancer. Marilyn’s family will be hosting “Marilyn’s Happy Hour Celebrating the Art of Living Well”, on September 27, 2013 from 4-7 p.m. at the Kissing Camels Golf Club, 4500 Kissing Camels Dr., Colorado Springs, and private burial
Marilyn was born in Kansas City, Mo., Dec. 7, 1940, the youngest daughter of Arthur H. “Red” Cromb and Mary Margaret Starr Cromb. She grew up in Kansas City, Mo., and Mission Hills, Kan.
She was a 1958 graduate of The Barstow School in Kansas City, where she excelled in all sports. She was an alumnae and supporter of Cheley Colorado Camps. She attended Colorado Women’s College in Denver, before returning to graduate from the University of Kansas, where she became a member of Pi Beta Phi.
“Crummie” to those who knew and loved her started her family in Houston, Texas, where she built a fun life around family, tennis and many lifelong friendships. She taught at River Oaks Baptist School where her children were enrolled. She enjoyed teaching and coaching youth.
In the late 1970’s Marilyn and her family moved to Manitou Springs, Colo., where she had spent many summers as a child. In so many ways it was the place her heart was at home. She was active in social, civic and youth sports circles throughout Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs. She was a member of the Garden of the Gods Club and a supporter of all things “Westside” in Colorado Springs.
After raising her family, Marilyn returned to the University of Kansas where she became a housemother at Alpha Tau Omega and Pi Gamma Delta (Fiji) fraternities. She loved raising other people’s children as much as she did her own. Her 20 years “on the hill” were some of the best of her life. She was an avid fan of KU basketball and followed all KU sports with a passion.
She is survived by her children, Mary Katherine “Kaki” Kahl (John) of Leawood, Kan., Virginia Morgan (Rick) of Woodland Park, Colo., Drew McElhany (Amy) of Steamboat Springs, Colo., and Stephanie Cubero (Dan) of Colorado Springs, Colo. and her sister Carolyn “Kay” Brada (Don) of Lawrence, Kan. Her greatest joy in life were her grandchildren Madeline and Stella Kahl, Charlie Morgan, Brian, Sydney and Megan Cubero, Macy and Keet McElhany. She is also survived by the young men of ATO and Pi Gamma Delta and many friends.
. In lieu of flowers her family suggests donations to Bo’s Place, 10500 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, Texas, 77054 or Pennies For Nicoll Foundation, PO Box 60843, Colorado Springs, CO 80960.
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Marilyn Starr Cromb McElhany