Marilyn Elaine Orcutt Fortune, age 83, of Miles City passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at the Holy Rosary Health Center in Miles City.
Marilyn was born January 2, 1930 the daughter of Bruce and Dessie Orcutt in Sioux City, Iowa. Three years later Bruce moved his family to the Beaverslide Ranch on the Broadus highway. Marilyn was homeschooled till the 7th Grade and then graduated from Custer County High School. She then attended Colorado Women’s College for one year and then she transferred to Montana State University. While there she met and married Robert Cunningham. Following the end of this marriage, Marilyn moved with their four daughters to Miles City. In 1972 she married Vern Fortune and she welcomed six step daughters to the family. She and Vern ranched on the Tongue River and also Dillion, MT. Marilyn’s love of the ranch life started at an early age. She was the first woman to go to AI School, while carrying her fourth daughter, Alane. She was an avid horse woman and always said she raised cattle so she could ride good horses.
She took pride in the cattle and horses she raised and one of her greatest rewards was watching them win Grand or Reserve Champion in shows around the state. Till the last she kept up with cattle and horse markets. She loved to logon to Miles City Livestock Commission on sale day and hear Randy say “Hello Marilyn”. She taught herself to purchase bulls online this spring.
Marilyn is survived by her four daughters, Laura(Ray)Ravenscroft, Robyn (Tom) Ketchum, Noelle(Dick)Pinkerton, Alane (Kenny) Stabler and grandchildren, Olin(Megan), Keara(Dave), Lex (Patrice), Ian, and Reid, Jana(Justen), Jenny(Josh), and Carly, Rian(Danae), Clark(Jen)and Julie, Alissa and Rachel, and 14 great grandchildren. Marilyn is also survived by two siblings, Jon (Lorraine) Orcutt and Rebecca Leibinger, stepchildren, Susie (Ron) Wells, Janice Fortune, Kathy (Lee) Baugatz, Darcy (Les) Boggs, Stacy (Stacy) Butts and their children and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce and Dessie, sister, Carol, and stepdaughter Shelly Longfox.
Visitation will begin on Sunday, May 12, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Grace Bible Church or to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday May 12, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday May 12, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Hom
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday May 13, 2013
Grace Bible Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday May 12, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday May 12, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Hom
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday May 13, 2013
Grace Bible Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Mickie Stuart says
To the Stabler Family,
We are sorry for your loss, Marilyn was a great woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. Let us know if you need anything.
Rusty, Mickie, Wacey and Bailey Stuart
Bob & Rita George says
So sorry for the loss of your Mother, We will be thinking of you in the days to come.
Terri & Rocky says
We are so sad to hear of Marilyn’s passing…. She was such a strong and wonderful woman who will be missed by many. We have the Stabler family in our prayers.
Maureen Larson says
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I fondly remember sitting with her on the bus to Women of Faith in Billings a few years ago. I so enjoyed listening to her stories and simply enjoyed getting to know her. What a wonderful mother you had! May God Bless you all during this sorrowful time and may your warm memories give you comfort.
Mary Schaefer says
Alane and family, I am so sad to hear of Marilyn’s passing. She was always such a joy to visit with. Hugs to you guys and if you need anything feel free to call me.
Mary
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Alane and family,
So sorry to hear about your mom. She was quite a lady and I know you will miss her very much. We are here for you if you need anything. Sending hugs and prayers. God Bless. Cindy, Dale and boys
Sally VanHemelryck says
Sympathy to all. But what a great lady and character. Know that she enjoyed her life fully. And I know there will be an empty spot in the family for you all. As Mothers Day approaches: remember grannies, mothers, aunties, sisters, daughters and cousins all help us thru life. Sincerely, Sally VH.
Linda & Richard Meidinger says
So sorry to hear of your moms passing and right at Mothers Day.
You have our symapthy and pray that special memories help you all
through this difficult time.
Beth Oswald says
Alane and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a great lady and always very kind. Take care of yourself.
Mike, Tracy, Jaxon and Jhett Hauk says
Heaven was blessed with an angel! Marilyn how you will be missed. To your family, may God comfort all of you!
Deb Schmeling says
Sorry to hear about you mom. She was a great lady. One that we will all miss. May God wrap his arms around each one of you. I know that you were all special to her.
Carol Hudson says
Alane, Robyn, and family, We’re so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was such a fun and spunky lady-we enjoyed her very much and know you will miss her. May the Lord give you peace and comfort and our prayers are with you all.
mike and myrna higgins says
Our deepest sympathy for you all in your loss and will be praying for you and the Lord’s comfort and strength. Bless you all
GARY AND PAT HELM says
SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR MOM. ENJOYED HER CELL CALLS AS SHE FLOW BY HERE. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL. I KNO SHE WAS A PILL BUT A GOOD ONE. SHE WAS ALWAYS ON THE GO AND ENJOYED LIFE TO THE FULLEST. MAY OUR PRAYERS BE OF HELP AS YOU GO THRU YOUR LOSS. THE HELMS ONE AND ALL
Gary and Bernadette says
So sorry for your loss. She was always a delight to visit with. She will be missed. Treasure your memories in your hearts. Prayers and Hugs <3
Kristi Plant says
Was so saddened to hear of the passing of such a magnificent lady!! She was a true treasure, and I know how deeply she will be missed…May you find comfort in knowing that heaven recieved an angel with cowgirl boots!! Please let us know if there is anything that your family needs…..In our prayers…
Tom and Kristi Plant
Shannon Holmen says
We are so sad for you loosing Marilyn. She was quite the cowgirl! We loved her spirit of fight, that’s what made her, herself. Our prayers.
Mike & Tammy Cozzens says
sorry for your loss, she was a great lady, never will forget racing the antalope across the praire 70mph they was not going to get in front of her.he will be missed
J Johnson says
Dear Family and Friends of Marilyn Fortune – My sincere condolences to your family. It is obvious according to the information listed above about Mrs. Fortune that she was loved and her life touched many people. Her life was also valued by the Creator who had recorded in the Bible book of Hebrews that God does not forget all of the love and fine works shown by his servants (Heb 6:10). It was not God’s purpose that mankind suffer and die. At creation God was able to say that everything was “very good” (Gen 1:31) Death was introduced through Adam’s disobedience (Genesis 2:17). Jesus’ sacrifice of his human life on earth again gave us hope of everlasting life. Hopefully, faith in these Bible promises will ease the pain from this loss as you look forward to seeing Mrs. Fortune again under perfect Paradise conditions as originally purposed for mankind in the Garden of Eden.
Ken & Kristi Stein says
Dear Alane, Robyn and families, Our Prayers and Thoughts are with you with the loss of your mother. I know she won’t be suffering any longer. She was one tuff cowgirl.
Bless you all.
Chris and Diana Elwood says
We are so sorry for your loss, your Mom was so interesting to visit with. Our thought and prayers will be with you all. May God be with the whole family at this time. God must be planning on a round up cuz he has been taking some good cowboy and cowgirls here lately.
Marcia (Huber) Heydt and Family says
Dear Alane: My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Thank you for the friendship you always offered my parents. May angels lead your Mother home…
Roxanne and Bill Harding says
Marilyn’s family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Many fond memories will be forever instilled in our hearts. She touched our family and will be truly missed. the good lord took a gem!!
With sincere sympathy,
Bill and Roxanne Harding
Jason, Jen, Cole & Kate Hirsch says
We were so sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. She lived life to the fullest and had the rarity of being one of those unforgettable gems. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Jason, Jen, Cole & Kate Hirsch
Kim & Cathie Henneberry says
We send our thoughts and prayers to you all. Praying for God’s comfort and love!
Jo Lund says
I’m still shocked at Marilyn’s passing. She was “one of a kind” and I’m so thankful for our friendship. Also thankful for my trip to Hawaii with Marilyn and you girls. Such great memories. We know she is at peace now. My love and prayers are with you.
Dan and Peg Barkemeyer says
Marilyn was one of a kind and when we think of her, three words come to mind; character, personality and constitution. She had all three and she was true to herself. Our condolences to her family.
Dan & Peg Barkemeyer
Madonna (Orestaad) Balsam- & Charley Balsam says
Dear Alane, and family,
What a joy——our friendship with Marilyn throughout the years, she was my friend since the years I worked at the Miles City Vet Clinic. I cherish the laughs, and the conversations,
I feel so blessed to have enjoyed our frindship for so long——she was a loyal, faithful, true friend.
I can say, without a doubt—-MAARILN DIDN’T LOVE HER CHILDREN, FRIENDS, AND RELATIVES EVERY NOW AND THEN——-IT WAS A LOVE FOREVER, AND FOREVER—AMEN.
We thank God for the joy we all shared having Mariln in our lives.
Our prayers are with all of you at this time, and may the many wonderful memories be a comfort to you.
, Marilyn, we love you.
“Donna and Charley
Mike and Deeon Bickle says
So sorry for your loss. Our thoghts and prayers are with you.
Mike Beausoleil says
My thoughts and prayers are with you. She was a wonderful woman and so full of energy. She always made me smile.I’m sure she is in heaven giving St.Peter a run for his money
Bill and Jann Parker says
So sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. Our visits consisted of horses, of course, and oh, how she liked good horses! I marveled at her spunk and spirit. May God Bless your family and know she is now in her heavenly home.
Brian and Marty Lucas says
To all four of my dear sisters and their families,
So sorry to hear about Marilyn. We will all miss her. Our prayers are for you all and your peace and comfort. Just celebrate all the good times and memories.
Love you all
Brian and Marty
Tom and Julie Nordstrom says
Marilyn was the BEST as neighbors go! Always willing to help us in all kinds of ordeals! But what we will always miss the most is the trips we made to the PBR with her when they were in Billings. Lunch with her and couple of the grandkids that met her up from Bozeman was quite the time!! A super day and visit for all! We love all of you and you are in our prayers. Tom and Julie Nordstrom
Arlen and Alice Miller says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Marilyn. Always enjoyed a vist with her at the sale. God Bless
Kathy Leischner says
Alane, Robyn, Laura, and Noelle, and all your families, so sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. I have many years of memories of chatting with her at different activities her in Miles city. She will be missed. I pray God wrap His arms around each of you so that you may feel His comfort in these days of grieving.
Clyde and Kathy Leischner
Doug Benge says
All Family:
Seems like I’ve known the Orcutt family members just about forever. Marilyn was always great for remembering some event, or connection to our family. Fun to visit with. She was definitely a do-it-yourself get-er-done person. I will miss her. Best wishes.
Doug Benge
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Norm and Bob Bellows says
Marilyn was truly a gal out of the old west who all who knew her enjoyed. We will certainly miss her and were blessed to know her. We hope you are finding comfort in all your memories at this difficult time.
Swan Family says
We are very sad to hear of Marilyn’s passing, she was quite a woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Shane & Holly Harbaugh says
Nellie and Dick,
Just want you to know we are thinking of you and your family.
Karson and Marie Farnum Kluver says
To Marilyn’s Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Marilyn always had a smile on her face.
Jo Ann (Buck) Kemmis says
I was very saddened to hear of Marilyn’s passing. I recently lost my father, Gene Buck, on April 26, 2013 and he and Marilyn, along with my mother, Dorothy, were such good friends. Marilyn and my mom were in school together. As a youngster in Miles City, I recall getting to ride horses with Marilyn and her daughters. So sorry for your loss. Enjoy the memories. She will be missed. Please take care.
Jeannette Larsen says
I’m so sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. I really liked her a lot, am sorry we never got to go to the movies together. She was so unselfish and giving of herself. I sure admired her, wish I was able to get to know her better. Sorry I missed her furnal…………… Much love, Jeannette
David Lee says
I met Marilyn in Denver @ the National Western stock show 25 years ago when my family and I sat beside her during a sale. She was a treat. We are from TN, but I would later learn from other ranchers in MT what a tough critter she was. Sorry for your loss.
Bill Zook says
We missed the funeral but our hearts were with you all. Your mom left many “markers” along her life’s road. One I’ll remember always is how ready she was to grasp new innovations. By the way, I also remember many of the songs your grandpa wrote too. What a family!
Orville Hope says
I am sorry for the loss of your mother. Marilyn was my life-time friend since ’48, a mere 65 years. She was the ‘Greatest” and will be the best female leader in Cowgirl Heaven. You can bet on that. I will certainly miss the e-mails and phone calls.
Alane Stabler says
I don’t know if any of you that left the kind heart warming thoughts above will ever look on here again, but I wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your kind words and prayers and wonderful memories of Mom are a blessing. Thank you very much..
Alane Stabler
Preston McKinnon says
We met Marilyn late May 2000 at T-Triangle, asking if she had any prairie dogs to shoot. Three knuckleheads she had never met from three states away. She welcomed us in and asked where we were staying. We said we camped in a gravel pit the night before and she said “We’ll you stay here then.” We visited Marilyn every May for some years, helped move into the new place down Tongue River and she made fun of us for “sleeping with the snakes” disliked her Yukon and “should have kept the truck”. We still come to Montana every May, Marilyn is always remembered and visited. Our children who were toddlers then have heard our stories of her and our trips to T-Triangle Ranch. We are blessed to have known her if only for 4 days each year, we will never forget her and we miss her.