On the evening of January 21, 2017, Marilyn passed away. Marilyn was born in Mobridge, South Dakota on July 11, 1937. She was the daughter of Homer and Kirtlye Beeman. She spent her childhood years living along the Milwaukee Railroad where her father was employed. The family moved many times residing in Mobridge SD, Marmarth ND, Vananda MT, and finally settling in Melstone where she attended grade school and graduated from high school. After high school graduation, Marilyn enrolled in the Presentation School of Nursing in Aberdeen, SD, graduating in 1957. After graduation, Marilyn was employed as a nurse in Forsyth and Roundup from 1957 to 1966.
In April of 1961, Marilyn married Gesa Kanta and together they had five children. The family resided in Melstone until 1974. During that time, there were no medical facilities in Melstone but Marilyn put her nursing skills into practice in the small community. While her full time job was raising her five children, Marilyn was always willing to help others and was recognized as the town nurse. She was excellent at her profession, enjoyed helping others, often provided medical advice, and could be counted on for providing treatment out of her home ranging from allergy shots to horse bites.
In the summer of 1974, the Kanta family moved to Forsyth where Marilyn was very excited to again have the opportunity to practice nursing in a medical facility. Marilyn began working part time as a nurse at the Rosebud Community Hospital. Part time was a perfect balance for her while she continued to raise her five children. She was a hard working loving mother and work life balance was very important to her. She faithfully attended all of her children’s extra-curricular activities and especially enjoyed her volunteer work each summer at the Lions Camp for handicapped children.
In 1981 Marilyn became the Director of Nursing for the nursing home in Forsyth. In 1992 she moved to Soldotna, AK to be closer to her two sons and took a position as the Director of Nursing at the nursing home. From a very young age Marilyn loved the outdoors and spent a lot of time hunting and fishing with her dad; Alaska was a perfect fit. For the next four years, she spent time with her sons fishing and enjoying the beauty of Alaska. Marilyn’s great reputation in the nursing field brought her back to the lower 48 in 1996 where she utilized her knowledge and experience in the private sector until she retired in 2005.
Upon retirement, Marilyn settled back in Forsyth. As a proud cancer survivor, Marilyn enjoyed spending time with her dog, Sadie, and watching her grandchildren grow up. Marilyn especially enjoyed visits by her two great grandchildren, Blaine Jessen and Kylie Luther.
Marilyn Kanta was preceded in death by her father Homer Beeman, mother Kirtlye Beeman, grandson, Blake Kanta, daughter Janet Kanta, and son in law William Duffield.
Marilyn is survived by Gesa Kanta, son Monte Kanta of Cody, WY, Mitch Kanta of Forsyth, daughter Joan Kanta-Duffield of Forsyth and Jill Kanta-Haidle of Laurel, grandchildren, Bailey and Kenzie Stahl and Cody Kanta.
Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Forsyth. Should friends desire, memorials in Marilyn’s honor may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, or to the charity of ones’ choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thursday January 26, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Rosary Service
6:00 PM
Thursday January 26, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Mass
11:00 AM
Friday January 27, 2017
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
509 N. 12th Ave
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thursday January 26, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Rosary Service
6:00 PM
Thursday January 26, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Mass
11:00 AM
Friday January 27, 2017
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
509 N. 12th Ave
Forsyth, MT 59327
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sharon cope says
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of your Mom when we worked together at the nursing home – especially doing policies!! Love and prayers to all of you. Sharon
Kinsee Crocker says
To the Kanta Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss Marilyn she was such a great lady. I’m glad I got the privlage to meet her and take good care of her for you guys. She sure will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys.
Love,
Kinsee Crocker
Jerry Haidle says
I am sorry for your loss. Marylin was a very sweet mom and she will be missed by all of us. We will be praying for the family in this difficult time.
Jason and Lana Rittal says
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Maria says
Kanta Family, We are so sorry for your loss, hugs going your way from The Weber’s.
Cathy Byron says
To Marilyn’s children:
I am so sorry to read of your mother’s passing. She was one of a wonderful team of nurses and care givers at the Forsyth hospital over the years that Sam battled his health issues. I always enjoyed a visit with her. And this I know from experience, it is never easy to say that last goodbye to a Mother. My prayers and thoughts are with each of you. Cherish the memories and support each other.
Jack and Kris Crocker says
So sorry for your loss, Marilyn was a wonderful person.
Debi Rapstad says
I was saddened to hear of Marilyn’s passing – she was such a good friend to me almost from the day we moved back to Forsyth. Losing a mom is not an easy thing to have to deal with – please know that my thoughts, prayers and love are with all of you.. Take good care of yourselves during this difficult time.
Love,
Debi
joan leinwand says
sending my condolences
Connie Brown says
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time in your life. The memories of a loved one is one of our greatest gifts, treasure the memories of your mom and grandma.
Roy & Arlene Pabolo and family says
I have many fond memories of Marilyn and her mother at the nursing home. Marilyn was a good friend and we shared some good times, think of baseball, soccer and bsketball games when the kids were in school. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. God bless, Marilyn.
Brenda Dotson says
So many great memories of your Mom, she was my DON for many years in Forsyth. May your beautiful memories of her comfort you all.
TJ Cape says
Joan and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. God Bless. TJ
Deb Hoffman says
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Marilyn always made me feel special-taking time to visit and catch up. She was especially happy to have a fellow-nurse in the family!
Brigitte Harms says
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all. She was my DON in forsyth. Nice Lady.
Mariann Callen says
So sorry for your loss. What a nice tribute of Marilyn. What a special lady. My heart is heavy. My thoughts are with you, Joan, Bailey, Kenzie and family.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Joan, Gesa and family, Sorry for your loss. Hold your memories close.
Barb Urness Maychrzak says
Marilyn was ahead of me in nursing school at Miles City and became a valuable mentor to me, and also a wonderful friend. Throughout the years we always had a good visit when we would meet up.
Rest in peace good friend. I will miss you.
Sharon Wetsch says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are sent your way.
Eileen Rieger says
To the Kanta family No matter our age our parents are an important part of our life. I know you will miss her for all she meant to each of you and all the memories you made as a family. Our thoughts are with you.
Cathy Goll says
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. She was an awesome lady. I remember staying with the family in Melstone when I was going to high school there. She will be greatly missed.
Dee Batey says
Joan and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. Memories are a wonderful thing, she will always be with you.
Love Dee
Arlen & Barbie Kirkaldie says
Dear sweet Kanta Family we are so sorry for the pain your going through, your mom was such an awesome woman. Our prayers and love are with you. ?
Lucille Wilson Brock says
Gesa and family……….I was so sorry to hear a few days ago of Marilyn’s passing….have known her since grade school in Melstone…God bless you with strength and comfort at this sad time.
Lucille Wilson Brock says
Gesa and Family………Was so sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing…..God bless you with peace and comfort.