On the afternoon of October 31, 2021, Marilyn Ida Dickson (Harris, Christopherson) passed away at the Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City, Montana, surrounded by her loved ones.
She was a joyful servant who is now enjoying perfect peace with her Lord and is at home with those who passed before her.
Romans 12:9-13-Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
She moved to Miles City in 1947 from Fergus Falls, Minnesota with her parents, Norvin and Gladys Christopherson and her sister Sharon.
In her early years in Miles City, she was a state contender in barrel racing on her black horse Bonnie. She worked at Stockhill Jewelers, hanging out with friends at dances and other high school events. She graduated from high school in 1953.
After high school she worked as a waitress and continued working as a waitress while also working at the Star. As a young woman she was an exceptionally hard-working mother. She worked at the Miles City Star for seventeen years, while raising a family of seven, canning, baking, knitting, quilting, hanging laundry outdoors at any temperature, even now.
Marilyn highly valued education and encouraged independent thinking. She helped start the Cowboy Wrestling Booster Club in 1968 and continued it to 1984 as well as ran concessions. She was an avid bowler, loved volleyball and softball/baseball. She always focused on her children and grandchildren.
The holidays were her favorite time with family. It was common to have a packed house with 25-30 people. All were invited, no one was left out. She would say if you did not come, “that’s your loss.”
She has 50 grand and great grandchildren of whom she was always thinking of and making sure they were clothed, fed, loved, and adored. She always had chores for them to do.
She had a servant’s heart, volunteering with the library, St Vincent’s, RSVP, community service with the Council on Aging, various Fairground activities, and many other services that she came in contact with. She was also an Ombudsman, Ladies Aide, Society of Honor member and United Christian Church member.
Marilyn had seven children with her first husband Jerry Albert Harris who passed away in November 1979.
On January 1, 1982, she married Robert Vernon Dickson. This blessed them with an extensive blended family that they both treasured and loved as their own.
She was a beloved great grandmother, grandmother, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. She graced this earth for 86 years, born on February 23, 1935 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, to Norvin and Gladys (Rudsenske) Christopherson of Miles City.
Marilyn is survived by her husband Bob Dickson of Miles City, Montana. Her children: David and Colette Harris of Miles City, Montana, Mark Harris and Rebecca Eames of Bayfield, Colorado, Stephen and Cheryl Harris of Absarokee, Montana, Ron and Cindy Dickson of Fort Collins, Colorado, Lori Dickson of Miles City, Montana, Michael and Kathy Harris of Bozeman, Montana, Anita and Chad Otterness of Goodhue, Minnesota, Jane and Dennis Pluhar of Angela, Montana, Jon and Cara Harris of Miles City, Montana. Her Grandchildren: Braden Harris, Taylor Harris, Darla Harris, Teal Harris, Jason Harris, Kane Anderson, Conner Harris, Brian Martin, Amy Downey, Andra Menhennett, Lisa Kindsvater, Melissa Harris, Amanda Harris, Edward Otterness, Sven Otterness, Bjorn Otterness, Ryan Harris, Tyler Harris, Jordan Harris, Stephanie Solberg, Blake Richardson, Nicole Richardson, Karen (Dickson) Bamert, Laura Dickson, Eleanor (Dickson) Koehl, Marshall Pluhar, and Adam Pluhar. Other Family: Joe McDonald, Mary Rose Hettinger and Ed and Sandra Harris. Nieces and Nephews: Tim McDonald, Tracie McDonald, Tom McDonald, Terry Rumph, Tom Riggs, Linda Losinski, Lorraine Dunbar, Dory Patrini, Dan Hettinger, Shelly Jenkins, Alana King.
She is preceded in death by Brian Harris, Sharon McDonald, Terry McDonald, Jesse and Doris Harris, Roger Harris, Jerry Harris, Don Harris, Rita Lindvold, Jenny Martin, Hayley Martin, Rachel Pluhar, Kayla Harris, Kyle Harris.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Miles City library or a charity of your choice in memory of Marilyn Dickson.
Family will receive friends on Friday, November 5, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at The Parlor, 1806 Main Street. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at The Lighthouse Assembly of God Church in Miles City. A luncheon will be held at the church following the service. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday November 5, 2021
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday November 6, 2021
The Lighthouse Assembly of God Church
3300 Horizon Pkwy
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Deb Jerrel says
Love that picture and love that woman!!!💔💔💔
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
I am so sorry to see that this sweet lady has passed. She & Bob were just in Ace last Saturday, the 30th and I showed her how to use the electric cart and away she went!!
To the Dickson’s, the Harris’s and all Marilyn’s loved ones, cherish all the memories you have made all these years and may they give you comfort. I hope you can feel all the hugs and care from everyone.
Denise Harvey says
Love the photo! That smile is priceless!
Dale Beyl says
My condolences for your loss, prayers for your family. She was an awesome lady, she will be missed.
Aaron, Mollie, Robert, and Michael Phipps says
So sorry for the loss of your wife, mother and friend. She was always full of something I needed to know, and she always made me smile! My the love of Jesus, whom she is rejoicing with in Heaven, give you peace, and time ease the aches in your hearts.
Pam Rogge says
Dear Harris & Dickson families,
My condolences and prayers are with your family at this time. Marilyn was a wonderful lady who will be greatly missed by many in this community. Cherish the many memories, they will give comfort in the days ahead. I agree about the photo – I love that – and that is how I will choose to remember her! God Bless all of you.
Scott and Sue Jens says
So sorry to hear this, Sue and I are sending out our prayers, and hugs, to all of you. Bob my friend down the hallway for many years thinking of you, and to all the Harris family, many of you I had in class, sending our sincere condolences for your loss if a dear mother, and wife.
June Opp says
To all of Marilyn’s family, So sorry to see about Marilyn’s passing, nay God bless and comfort you all as you collect and cherish all the memories if this wonderful lady, it was always such a pleasure to wait on her and her mother when they shopped at Reynolds. May God bless and comfort you all during these difficult days and the days ahead.
June Opp
Linda Polich says
Sorry for your loss. Marilyn was such a joy. You were so lucky to have her. Linda and John Polich
Ginger Kiel says
Harris and Dickson families… So sorry for your loss. Prayers for your peace in your time of grief as you gather and share the many wonderful memories. Marilyn was a woman of many wonders.
Vicki Wohlgenant (Blyth) says
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I have fond memories of her smiling face and cheerful ways. Such a sweet, dear lady.
Don and Tina Pomeroy says
Bob and family, Don and I were so very ssddened to hear of Marilyn’s passing. We grieve for you and with you. She was a bright star among us all, and her passing has left a big hole in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all through this extremely difficult time. Don and Tina Pomeroy
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
Bob and Family, Our condolences on your loss of Marilyn. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jessie Leidholt says
Jim and I want the Dickson/Harris families to know how sorry we are for their loss. We have known Marilyn for so many years and rejoiced when she and Bob were wed. Goodbye sweet Marilyn. Hugs to your family.
Stradley family says
Bob, our hearts break with yours at this time of loss! We have so many fond memories of being your neighbor for those many years. Your and Marilyn’s generosity in sharing with us the bounty of your garden was so very much appreciated throughout the years! Harris family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Please be comforted in the Lord and in the many memories that you have with Marilyn. May the Lord who brings peace and comfort, comfort you during this time of loss!
Mary Ann Stoltz says
I’m so sorry for your loss Harris boys and Anita! God be with you all and heal your hearts!
MaryAnn Stoltz
Georgia Mentikov and family says
So sorry to hear about Marilyn. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your memories comfort you!
Josephine Meidinger says
So sorry to hear about Marilyn She was such a sweet lady
Karen and Warren Weigand says
So sorry to learn – Marilyn was my dear, loved cousin. To all the Dickson and Harris families, we send our love. God bless and comfort you. Karen & Warren Weigand
Harvey and Linda Wolff says
So sorry for your loss. She was a very special lady. Bob our hearts go out to you and your family and extended family.
Sharon Volkman says
Marilyn was one of my very nice classmates. She accomplished so much. To her family, I am so sorry for your loss of a wonderful person.
David Wheeler says
Sorry for your loss our prayers are with you
Ron Hathaway says
Bob and Jon: So sorry for your loss. May she Rest In Peace,
Lorretta Rebsom says
Marilyn what an amazing woman. She was the kindest, most compassionate, loving, strong, steadfast and caring person I’ve ever know. She played such an important part in the lives of the Russell Rebsom family and we all loved her dearly. We will miss her presence here on earth and the heavens are rejoicing in her new home with Jesus and loved ones. Rejoice family in the many beautiful sweet memories of her. She was such a blessing.
Jim and Geneal Bott says
Love the picture. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Joe Whalen says
There goes the neighborhood.
Marilyn was a jewel. My thoughts are with your family today, thanks in large part to this wonderful obituary you’ve shared with us. I’ll miss her.
Mike Duncan says
To all of Marilyn’s family I am so sorry for your loss she was a wonderful lady and friend and will be missed.
Guy and Lori Lund says
What a loss for Miles City and especially our neighborhood. My sincere condolences to Bob and Marilyn’s family. Marilyn has been our neighbor for over 30 years and it has been our honor and privilege to know her. I don’t believe I ever saw Marilyn without a smile and a wave. The picture above is truly the person we all knew.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Sending my sympathy to all of Marilyn’s family. She was a super lady and always fun to chat with.
Audrey Haumschild says
RIP dear you were the sweetest person. I’m glad I got to meet you and visit with you over the years 💓
Amy Fox says
Marilyn, you will be missed.💜 Ya !!!
Kim Stanton says
Dear Bob and Family,
Fantastic picture of Marilyn in the obituary! Her zest for life and her joy are so apparent! Life will be very different for all of you without her, but we know the Lord is especially close to all of you right now and you are in His merciful, tender care. Prayers for your peace, comfort, and well being are coming your way!
With our sincere condolences, Kim, Kyle, Kasey and Christina Stanton
Bernadette Miller says
Verlin and I loved having dinner at Marilyn’s with some of the other retired teachers, always good conversation.
Jerry and Glenia Chapman says
Marilyn was a go-getter with such a kind, generous, loving heart. We see this picture as Marilyn’s face when she got to heaven and saw the loved ones who greeted her. Well done good and faithful servant. You touched so many lives with unconditional love and will be missed beyond measure.
Carolyn Kimball says
My condolences to Marilyn’s loved ones. May her contagious positivity live on in all of you.
Frank Tooke says
Bob
Marilyn was a wonderful lady. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Frank
Muriel Selk says
SO SORRY TO HEAR THIS. ALWAYS SAW MARILYN OUT AND ABOUT AND ALWAYS WITH A SMILE. JANE, PLEASE FEEL A BIG HUG FROM US. PRAYERS FOR YOUR DAD “MR DICKSON” WHOM OUR CHILDREN LOVED IN SCHOOL. MISS THE UMPING AT THE SOFTBALL GAMES JON. MAY YOUR MEMORIES COMFORT YOU. THEY LAST FOREVER. GOD HAS HIS ARMS AROUND YOUR FAMILIES TO COMFORT YOU. GARY AND MURIEL SELK
David Sims says
Just received the sad news from my friend In miles City of the passing of Maralyn
My deepest sympathy to Bob and family
David Sims your Aussie mate
Hope to see you in the gym next year Bob
🇦🇺🙏🇺🇸
Jan Christensen says
MARILYN WILL ALWAYS BE A SWEET PART OF MY CHILDHOOD MEMORIES, AND ALSO OF OUR LATER PRECIOUS COUSIN REUNIONS . HER LOVE AND ENERGY WAS A GIFT TO ALL. I WILL MISS YOU DEAR COUSIN. JANICE CHRISTENSEN
Muriel Selk says
SO SORRY TO HEAR THIS. JANE, PLEASE FEEL A BIG HUG. MEMORIES EASE THE HURT AND STAY WITH YIOU FOREVER. GARY AND I SEND OUR LOVE TO YOUR FAMILIES.
Anita Raben Scheeler says
So sorry to hear of your loss of Marilyn! Our prayers and thoughts are with you all!
Anita and Jim Scheeler
Suzanne Lemire Albano says
Marilyn was such a kind, generous person. She was a mom to all the strays whose family were far away. I have many happy memories of her from my teenage years to my adult years. She raised a wonderful family!
Steven Hathaway says
So sad to hear this. She was a beautiful soul. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Steve Hathaway
Christina Vosen Ostendorf says
Thinking of you, Mr Dickson, and the rest of your family. She was such a joy at the various places I saw
Marilyn! Our condolences!
Kistia Johnson-Golie says
Bob, Lori, Jane and family I am so saddened to see of Marilyns passing! She was such a sweet soul. Many prayers and blessings during this time. Keep your memories close and know she will always be the angel above looking after you all!
Anita Otterness says
Thank you everyone for your memories and condolences, it is greatly appreciated and know she loved you all. So many memories of my mom, Bob and the Miles City family and community! RIP MoM
Anita, Chad, Edward, Sven and Bjorn Otterness (Minnesota)
Louise de Montigny says
Dear Bob and family~
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Marilyn. She was a joy and a blessing. Peace be with you.
Sandra Popp Trucano says
My parents Johnny and Nell Popp always enjoyed Marilyn’s visits with them in Broadus. They thought highly of her.