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BORN
1931
DIED
2025
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Marilyn McKinney Obituary
January 9, 1931 - February 20, 2025
Marilyn passed away February 20, 2025, at Valle Vista Manor in Lewistown, Mont. Mom was born in Billings, to Lupton and Addie (Anderson) Waddingham, January 9, 1931. She joined her brothers, Marvin and Francis; and sister, Virginia.
Marilyn graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1948. She had started working at Yellowstone County Implement Co. (John Deere) before she graduated from high school and had a long and enjoyable career with them until her retirement in 1986. She loved music and was a charter member of both the Billings Symphony Orchestra and the Billings Symphony Chorale. Mom enjoyed volunteering as Treasurer for St Luke's Episcopal Church and after her retirement, at Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Hospital Gift Shops, and the Billings Studio Theatre and Billings Symphony ticket counters.
Mom met Charles "Chuck" McKinney in high school and they were married in 1949. They were married for 53 years, before Dad passed away in 2002. In 1959, their son, Jere was born.
Her family was her greatest joy. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, and all of her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Mom lived in Billings for 92 years (60-plus years in the same house), before moving to Lewistown to be closer to her son and family for the last two years of her life.
She is survived by her son, Jere and daughter-in-law, Norine; grandchildren, Sara, Shannon, and Ryan; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and their families.
Mom was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Virginia; brothers, Marvin and Francis; and her husband, Chuck.
Memorials to the memory of Mom can be made to the St Luke's Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, Billings, Mont., the charity of choice, or you could plant a rose bush in her memory.
A memorial service for Marilyn will be at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 119 N 33rd in Billings, Friday, May 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service in Cardwell Hall, located in the Church. Interment will follow the luncheon, at Mountview Cemetery.
We Love You, and will miss You.
Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home. Marilyn's family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marilyn McKinney
Sponsored by Creel Funeral Home - Lewistown.
4 Entries
Jan Zabrocki Swenson
April 23, 2025
Oh, SO many fond childhood memories of our friends the McKinney family growing up. We were only about three blocks apart - I still think of Marylin, Chuck and Jere every time I drive by the brick house. I so admired Marylin´s singing abilities in the Billings Symphony Chorale where she had the rare ability of perfect pitch. Warmest Conolences.
Connie Zabrocki McCall
March 5, 2025
Jere, what a beautifully lived life your mom lived. She was a kind and gentle woman, but strong and passionate about family, faith, and giving. She was a good friend to my mother, and she and Chuck were responsible for introducing my parents to their long-time square dance friends. I will never forget her beautiful rendition of "Our Father" at my wedding and she even gave me a wedding shower. Our parents are at that big square dance in the sky now. Allamande left and do-si-do. Wishing you comfort and peace.
Sharon Richards
March 5, 2025
I am sad to hear of Marilyn´s passing. I lived in her and Chucks rental across from their beautiful home. I also worked with Her at the Giftshop at Billings Deaconess . She was a soft spoken woman and I admired her work ethic as a volunteer.
Jean Boone
February 26, 2025
Marilyn and her husband were neighbors on Avenue F, Billings, around 1960 - 1962.
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