Marion Jean Conaway

Marion Conaway, 74 of Ballinger passed away on January 4, 2019 after lengthy illness.

Marion was born in Lometa, Texas on July 23, 1944 to Jean Gilbreth and Marvin Butler. She married John Conaway and raised a family of 3 children in Ballinger and Odessa, remarkably opening her home to multiple foster children and others who needed her help. She was a caring and enthusiastic parent, who was fun-loving and kind.

During her life, she was faced with hardships from numerous family health problems, and she demonstrated fortitude and kindness in caring for them. Rising to the occasion, she managed to care for their needs and also hold jobs to support her family financially. She was stoic, steely and amazing.

Despite these hardships, Marion had a wicked sense of humor, the ability to be radically honest about people and situations, and everyone who knew her knew exactly where they stood with her. She was crafty, was skilled at quilting and crochet. She enjoyed large projects as well, including gardening which allowed her to indulge her love for the outdoors as well as refurbishing the houses she lived in. She had a great sense of personal style, choosing the simple, the colorful and the classic. She had lively dark blue eyes and a wry and knowing smile.

In later years, she suffered from numerous health problems but enjoyed time with her family. Her last day was as she wanted it-quiet, in her own home, and surrounded by immediate family.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, John Conaway, her daughter Leslie Conaway, and grandson John Joseph Englehart. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Cassie and Robert McNaley of Ballinger, John Conaway of El Paso, brother Randy Robinson of Dallas, sister Dr. Kim Kjome of Austin, grandchildren James Keaton of Odessa, Charlie Westbrook of Odessa, Allie Conaway of Rocksprings, and Dylan and Logan McNaley of Ballinger, as well as 4 great-grandchildren.

The people who knew Marion appreciated her resolve, her kindness and her honest approach to living. Special thanks from her family extend to Ballinger Home Health and Hospice, Amalia Villarreal and Sylvia Viveros, both of Ballinger.

A graveside service will be held at 4:00 pm Sunday at Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger.