Marilyn Corcilius

Marilyn Jean Marotz Corcilius, 84, formerly of Ashton, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2013, of causes incident to age. She was under the care of Hospice of Eastern Idaho and Fairwinds-Sandcreek Assisted Living Center.

Marilyn was born Oct. 17, 1928, in State Center, Iowa, the youngest of six children born to Claren L. and Gladys Winslow. Early in her life, the family moved to Greenleaf, Idaho, where she graduated from Caldwell High School.

In 1947, while living in Boise, Marilyn met and married Carl Marotz, an Ashton potato farmer. Together they had four children and farmed until Carl's unexpected death in 1958. Marilyn, widowed with four children under the age of 10 years old, gathered the strength to become a single parent and continued living in Ashton.

In 1961, she married Fred Corcilius of Uslar, Germany, who had moved to Ashton to farm with relatives. Together, Fred and Marilyn operated the farm and were recognized for quality seed potatoes throughout the area. Fred passed away in 2002.

Marilyn, in the spirit of the pioneers, ventured West when she was 3 years old. Continuing in that spirit, she was a lady of amazing strength, practical common sense and dignity. Her grandchildren love telling stories of sleepovers at Grandma's Greentimber house with wonderful treats, cartoon television and playtime with trunks of toys and dress-up props.

Affording all the farm workers respect and kindness, Marilyn baked at least two varieties of cookies and treats every day during potato harvest and donned a scarf to protect her hair from dust as she personally delivered snacks to all the employees in the field from her Chevy Blazer.

She was a quiet source of strength for many members of her family -- always more comfortable in a behind the scenes "support role" and never in the spotlight.

Following the loss of Fred in 2002, Marilyn moved to Idaho Falls to be near her son, Scott Marotz, and his wife, Heidi, and their children. Sunday drives and photos of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren gave her great joy. She loved babies, kittens and puppies.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Kathy (Neil) Smith of Lancaster, Calif., Gloria (David) Graham of Honolulu, Hawaii, Craig (Tali) Marotz of Salem, Mass., and Scott (Heidi) Marotz of Idaho Falls. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and two older brothers, Max Winslow of Chelan, Wash., and Dwight Winslow of Colleyville, Texas.

Marilyn was preceded in death by husbands Carl Marotz and Fred Corcilius.

A committal service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 26, at the Ashton Pineview Cemetery, with Pastor Leslie Judge officiating. A memorial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Hospice of Eastern Idaho, 1810 Moran St., Idaho Falls, ID 83401.

Condolences may be shared online at www.baxterfh.com.