Marilyn I Bird

Marilyn Ida (Gove) Bird, born March 26, 1938, in Easton, Pennsylvania, passed away on Friday, 2/13/26 at the age of 87. She was residing in Mertztown, Pennsylvania at the time of her passing.

Marilyn was the beloved daughter of Raymond and Geneva (Klein) Gove. She spent her childhood in Nazareth, PA where she grew up alongside her sister, Evelyn (Gove) Dietz, who survives her. Marilyn attended a one room schoolhouse known as the Aluta School, often walking through snow to arrive each winter day.

Her childhood was rich with stories and simple joys. Nicknamed "Shorty" by her father-and soon by all her uncles-Marilyn was known for her cheerful spirit and love of animals. She fondly recalled the day she hid beneath a chicken coop to play with a litter of puppies, only to be discovered when her father called out, "Shorty, are you under that chicken coop?" and then she had to get back to work again. Growing up on a farm, she pulled mustard from a 14 acre field one piece at a time and often spent evenings with her dog, Sporty, sitting by the woods, radio in hand, listening to music. She played the piano beautifully-entirely by ear-and loved sledding down the long, icy roads in winter.

Marilyn graduated from Nazareth High School and later attended the Churchman Business School in Easton, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She went on to build a successful early career as a secretary at the Easton Car and Construction Company, contributing skillfully in several roles. On July 22, 1961, Marilyn married the love of her life, William Bird, in Belfast, Pennsylvania, match sparked by their shared enjoyment of square dancing. Together they shared 64 years of marriage, raising two daughters and building a life rooted in partnership and devotion.

For 17 years, Marilyn served as the volunteer Organist and Choir Director at the United Methodist Church in West Portal, New Jersey. She and William also spent several wonderful years living in Lake Lure, North Carolina. A woman of many talents, Marilyn created handmade greeting cards, painted ceramics, supported the family dairy farm, and lovingly raised two very different daughters, navigating their many activities with grace and humor.

Her greatest pride was working side by side with her husband on their farm. One of her disappointments was when the cows were sold; she cried all the way down the lane following the truck, having grown deeply attached to them.

Marilyn treasured her friendships. Her best friend, Connie Newell, remained by her side for over 68 years until Connie's passing in 2025. Don and Lola Burd of West Portal, NJ, were also dear friends for more than three decades. Marilyn even earned a trophy in horseshoe pitching from the Warren County Agriculture Fair after many evenings practicing with the Burds.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, William; her daughters Bonnie (James Korutz) and Cheryl (Ronald Carrington); and her grandchildren Ryan (Micayla), Johnathan, and Ashley, all of whom lovingly knew her as "Nana." She also shared her home and heart over the years with four beloved pets: Bo, Sammy, Kacy, and Jakey

Marilyn's life was full, rich, and shaped by kindness, creativity, and steadfast love. As she remarked herself, "The good Lord has been good to us and blessed us in many ways."

Funeral Service: A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Zion's Union Church, 329 Church Road, Kutztown, PA 19530. A calling time will begin at 9:30 AM.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Mountain View Horse Rescue, 4508 Winding Rd New Tripoli, PA 18066.

Condolences may be offered at schmoyerfuneralhome.com.