Marilyn Palmer

Our lovely wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Marilyn Lois (Ford) Palmer, passed away April 12, 2025, at the age of 85. Marilyn was born in Hannibal, Missouri, on November 7, 1939, to Harold and Lois Ford. Her father's work moved them around several times in Marilyn's youth and eventually took them to Aurora, Illinois, where she moved just around the corner from the man of her dreams, Richard Palmer.

Richard and Marilyn were married on March 3, 1958. The next few years were a whirlwind of having five boys in just over six years. Eight years after her youngest son was born, the doctor cheered when telling Marilyn, she finally had a baby girl.

The Burlington Northern Railroad moved the family to Havre, Montana in 1979. Marilyn spent many of her years there working in the Registrar's Office at Northern Montana College. She enjoyed playing cards, square dancing, and watching sporting events during that time. In 1992, the railroad again moved them, this time back to Springfield, Missouri, where she was able to be with her parents and one son. In Springfield, Richard and Marilyn spent time with the Cowboy Action Shooting and antiquing, as well as traveling to local wineries and on Caribbean cruises.

In August of 2005, they moved back to Montana to be closer to their children. Marilyn was a loyal Billings Central Rams fan and enjoyed watching her granddaughters compete in athletic and musical events. She was a member of St. Thomas Parish.

Marilyn had a beautiful soul. She loved her family and friends deeply. She will be truly missed by all who knew her.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, brother Richard Ford, brother-in-law Lonnie Skinkis, sisters-in-law Colette and Kathy Palmer, and daughter-in-law Judi Palmer. She is survived by her husband of sixty-seven years, Richard, sister Linda, sons Jeffery (Connie), Michael (Kathy), David (Carol), Timothy (Carra), and Christopher, daughter Amy (Troy), nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by several other brothers and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be Monday, April 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Thomas. Visitation will be held at Dahl's funeral chapel at 4:00 PM on Sunday, April 20, 2025, with the Vigil being held at 6:00 PM. Memorials can be made to St. Thomas Parish, Canyon Creek Memory Care, or the charity of your choice.