Marilyn Hartson

Marilyn Kelly Hartson, 83, passed away on Sunday Oct. 25, 2015, in Whitefish.

Marilyn was born May 27, 1932, in Glendive to Robert and Dorothy Kelly. She attended 12 years of school in Glendive, going to Lincoln, Washington and Dawson County High School, graduating with the Class of 1950. Marilyn enjoyed music, band, choir and piano.

She met the love of her life, Fred Hartson, in Glendive while he was working for the Montana Highway Department. They were married in Glendive on Nov. 4, 1950, and would have celebrated 65 years of marriage this year. They had two daughters, Patricia Ann Harris of McMinnville, Oregon, and Kathyrn Lynn Eskestrand of Kalispell. They moved to Havre in 1953 and lived there for 36 years.

They retired and moved to West Glacier, where they resided for 22 years. Marilyn and Fred loved it there! They lived on the golf course and enjoyed their golfing, hiking and looking for beautiful animals. They loved the beauty and their good friends there. They also spent several winters in Tucson, Arizona, and had many friends and good times there, as well. In 2009 they moved to Kalispell due to health reasons. They enjoyed six happy years there with their beloved pets, Ni’Chi and Otis.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Fred; their daughters, Patty and Bob, and Kathy and Louie; and her brother, James Kelly, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kelly, Jason, Jessica, Adam and Amy; and by her great-grandchildren, Erin, Bobby, Alex, Violet and Zoey. 

Her half brother, Carroll Wright, of British Columbia, preceded her in death. 

“Marilyn will meet Fred at heaven’s gate!”

There will be no funeral services at Marilyn’s request.

To send a note of condolence to the family, please visit www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.