Cloudy, 61° F
(Oct. 14, 1922 - Aug. 6, 2011)
Marinell Holland Boydston, 88, of Cody, died peacefully at her home on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011.
Marinell was born to Jeremiah and Camille Holland on Oct. 14, 1922 in Klein, Mont., one of six children. Marinell was raised on the family ranch, and educated in Klein. She had a desire in childhood to make pets of many of the wild animals to be found in the Bull Mountains.
Marinell then attended and graduated from Billings Business College. She was employed by Midland Implement, and then received a job offer from the upstart company Husky Oil in Cody, where she moved in 1943. She worked in various positions for Husky until 1959 and enjoyed travel around the United States for work with Mr. Neilson.
She met her husband Jim Boydston, also employed in the oil fields, at the Green Gables where they both were housed. They were married after Jim returned from his second trip with the U.S. Army to Europe. In 1959 they separated from Husky Oil and purchased an oil well work-over rig from Husky and began Boydston Well Service. This was their life’s work together and apart.
Jim died in 1974 and Marinell was able to continue the company as female president in a male dominated work area. She and her partner, Gene Franzen led the company successfully for many years. During this period, Marinell continued her quest for education attending many courses in oil and those offered by NWC. During most of her life, she volunteered as a nurse’s aid at the Cody hospital. This only ceased when she appeared to be too experienced in years by some. She also found time to obtain a pilot’s license in the 1940s.
Marinell was a pillar of the community. Her contributions did not include much fanfare as she worked anonymously or one on one. She supported senior activities, nursing education and the Cody community. She was a mother and friend to her children, supporting them in every way. She had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who she was especially fond of. Her greatest gift to the community was in support of those in trouble or need. She was there with a hand up, not a hand out. She was willing to take the time to assist individuals with getting their lives in order, and so contributed to many happy and healthy people over many years.
Marinell was a faithful member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. She was a member of countless work organizations and was well known for her drive and knowledge in many areas.
She is survived by her children daughters Susan and Valerie and sons Jerry and Tom and Joe. She is also survived by her youngest brother, 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Her first born, James, died two weeks prior to Marinell. Her husband Jim also preceded her in death.
A Rosary will be held on Friday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m. at The Church of St. Anthony in Cody. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13 with Fr. Donald Krebs celebrating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery. Friends and family are welcome to gather in the church’s basement for lunch and fellowship after the graveside service. An online guestbook and memorial is available at ballardfh.com.
