Marilyn
Jean Duncan, 79, a homemaker & cook from Shelby died February 15, 2010 at
the Pondera Medical Center extended care facility. A viewing will be Friday
February 19, from 1:00-8:00 pm at the Whitted Funeral Chapel in Shelby.
Graveside services and inurnment will be held in early summer of 2010 at the
Lakeview Cemetery in Valier following cremation.
Survivors include her sisters Betty Gay (Blaine) Feltman of Arizona and Arlie (Bill) Keith of Idaho; her very special Aunt Kathryn Duncan Schwengel of Great Falls who just celebrated her 102 Birthday; her children Michael (Mavis) Orvis of Glasgow, Brian Orvis of Shelby, Oliver Russell Stoddard of Idaho, Amelia Lourbis of Idaho and Angela (Thomas) Welker of Shelby; as well as 12 grand children and 2 great grand children. Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, her 3 husbands and her 2 precious babies, Julie Jaye and Shelly Jean.
Marilyn was born on March 23, 1930 to Kenneth and Jessie (Magness) Duncan. She grew up in the Valier and Dupuyer area attending school in Valier and graduating as the Valedictorian of her class in 1948. Shortly after graduation she married Earl (Buddy) Orvis on June 20, 1948. They were blessed with 2 beautiful little girls, Julie and Shelly who both passed away in a tragic fire. In 1953 Michael was born and the following year, Brian. They later divorced. In 1958 she was blessed with another son, Russell. In 1959 she married Leonidias Lourbis they had 2 daughters together, Amelia in 1959 and Angela in 1970 and they also divorced. In 1973 she married Zane Leatham they spent many happy years together and divorced but remained close friends until his death in 2004. In 1988 at the age of 58 Marilyn made a bold move and enrolled herself in college and graduated with a degree in culinary arts with honors. She was hired at the Shelby Senior Center and worked there until her health forced her to retire. In her later years she spent her summers in her flower beds and on most days could be found having coffee each afternoon at Georgia’s home. In 2006 she became a resident at the Pondera Medical Center Extended Care and enjoyed her life there. She was a proud resident who had many friends and was President of the Resident’s Council. She also considered herself “mom” to most of the staff there.
Marilyn truly loved flowers, enjoyed cooking and was very good at it, and also loved to read a good book. She will be greatly missed by all whom she touched. She was always willing to share her words of wisdom and loved to help anyone that might need her gentle touch. She had many difficult challenges in her life but always met them head on and never gave up. In her last days she felt great comfort in her Bible and having the 23rd Psalm read to her.
Memorials
suggested to Bret Wanken Memorial 4-H fund.
c/o Marias Fair Livestock Committee
226 1st N.
Shelby MT 59474