Marilyn Kay Kelly went to be with Jesus on May 10, 2021 on the family ranch near Ismay, Montana.
Marilyn was born on February 18, 1950 to Charles and Kate (Hamby) Redman in Miles City, Montana. She attended Spring Creek Country School for grades 1-6. At the start of her 7th grade year, Marilyn and her sister, Peggy, began attending Plevna Public Schools where she graduated with the class of 1967. Marilyn and “Sis” were inseparable from the start and the bond they shared made them best friends for the rest of their lives. She continued her education at Miles Community College and earned an Associate’s Degree in 1969. It was during this time that she began dating the handsome neighbor boy, Rod Kelly. It didn’t take long for them to realize they were made for each other. Rod and Marilyn were united in marriage on September 20, 1969, forming an unshakeable partnership that would last nearly 52 years. Once married, they began their life-long adventure, working side by side, on the Kelly and Redman ranches.
On January 17, 1976, their first son, Shawn Allan, was born. Troy Lee was born on March 17, 1978, completing their family of four. There wasn’t a thing she wouldn’t do for her boys! From washing endless loads of ranch-stained Wranglers to attending every activity they were in, she was their #1 fan. Marilyn gained a daughter when Shawn married Candice Allerdings on July 25, 1998. This union gave her two of her greatest joys. Of all the roles she ever played, being grandma to Rachel and Ryan was definitely the most fun! We all learned very early, that no matter what…”what happened at grandma’s, stayed at grandma’s”!
Marilyn’s faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ, was at the core of who she was. She believed in the power of prayer and hit her knees, believing that He would hear her every prayer. Marilyn was the picture of a “selfless servant”, content to be the one doing the hard stuff behind the scenes. She acted out the love of Jesus, never thinking of herself. We can’t imagine life without her, but we’ll rest in God’s promise of seeing her again someday.
Marilyn is survived by her husband and life partner, Rod Kelly, sons Shawn (Candice) of Miles City and Troy of Ismay. Also left to miss her is her sister, Peggy (Earl Mortensen) of Forsyth. She also leaves behind her grandkids, Rachel and Ryan Kelly, and her faithful canine companion, Annie.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Kate Redman, and numerous aunts, uncles, and friends.
Visitation will begin on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Graveside services will follow on Friday at 2:00 p.m. at the Knowlton Cemetery at Knowlton. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Knowlton Cemetery Association, 1262 Rd. 403, Ismay, MT 59336, Grace Bible Church, or a charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 13, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday May 14, 2021
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 13, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday May 14, 2021
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Colette Butcher says
My sincere sympathy goes out to the entire Kelly family. My goodness what a huge loss. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her. Cherish your memories.
Sherry Oster says
To all of of Marilyn’s family. This just breaks my heart! Marilyn has always been a positive influence in my life, first as a child and then as an adult! I loved her contagious laugh and her ability to make one feel so loved! She was a wonderful neighbor and even picked up stranded prople, when their old truck quit them. She was a fabulous cook and we looked forward to brandings at her house! To all of Marilyn’s family and friends, know I am praying for you all. I know she is in Heaven, but she sure will be missed here on earth. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal. My condolences.
Levi Forman says
So sorry to hear about Marilyn. I always enjoyed hearing from my “over the hill” neighbor and I had just gotten a nice email from her on my birthday. My thoughts are with Rod and the rest of the family. She will be missed.
Teal Lind says
So sorry to hear about Marilyn. I will miss her bright smile and messages on my birthday, but I know that she is in heaven. Prayers for Rod, Shawn and Troy!
Bev Knuths says
This just breaks my heart. But Grandma Kate and Charles will welcome her with open arms. Condolences to Peggy, Rod, Shawn, Troy and all her families. We all will miss her joyful laugh. RIP Marilyn
Sharon Borla says
Peggy and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending warm thoughts and prayers for comfort.
Burl Mulkey says
So sorry for your loss
Arlinda and Dave Steffes says
So sorry about the passing of Marilyn. She was such a wonderful person who I was glad to call my friend. Prayers for all of her family and friends.
Leslie Gray says
Marilyn was a true friend. We loved her very much! She will be missed, but we will see her again in our Heavenly home! Praise God that we can know she is peacefully with Him! Comfort each other with our hope of Eternity together with Christ! With Love, Bob and Leslie
Anne Hafer says
Peggy, Rod, Shawn, Troy- I am so very sorry to hear about Marilyn. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Anne Hafer
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Rod & family,
I am so very sad to see you have lost your long time sweetheart and helpmate. Life goes on, but be sure to stop and remember your life together side by side. May you find comfort in all those beautiful memories. My thoughts are with you.
Gary and Janie Owens says
We’re so very sorry to hear about Marilyn. She was such a lovely person. Our hearts ache for Rod and the family and we hope the warm memories will bring them comfort.
Joe and Kayla Kiel says
Rod and family
You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Brenda Slater, Hadley & Lakota Loomis says
Rod and family, thinking of you during this difficult time. Sending lots of thoughts and prayers.
Karen Morris says
I’ve never been particularly good at saying good-bye, Marilyn, so I’ll just say that I’ll see you on the other side some day. You (and your family) have been very special friends. I have always been amazed that you were so humble you never fully realized your importance. I tried to point that out a few times (like the Christmas letters where you forgot to include your picture). We have shared some tears over the years, but mostly, there has been a lot of laughter. One of my favorites will always be the “Cows’ Husband” saga. I know I won’t be alone in feeling a bit lost without you here. Yet, I am still thankful to have been blessed to know you and call you friend for as long as I did. Fly high with the angels!
My deepest sympathy to all of Marilyn’s family and friends. May you find comfort in your memories–for, as long as we remember, no one is truly gone. You will remain in my prayers.
Dixie Rieger says
I am praying for all of Marilyn’s family. The memories of Kate, Charles, Peggy, and Marilyn are all filled with their laughter. Everytime we would meet up in a store in Miles City, we would talk and laugh. I will miss everything about her. What a kind, genuine soul she had. Heaven better be ready!
Terri Harrsch (Oster) says
To all of Marilyn’s family,
My heart is broken. Words can’t express how truly devastating is to hear of the loss of such a beautiful lady. When I think of Marilyn I think of her contagious laugh, her wonderful cooking and her huge heart. When we were little, she always made sure we were doing all right. She was a critical part of the village who helped raise us. I looked forward to her Christmas letters every year. She was a beautiful soul, an angel on Earth and now with our Heavenly Father. I imagine Dad and Eric are begging her for a banana cream pie or 2. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, may the Lord embrace you with love and peace. My deepest sympathies.
Terri and Mike Harrsch and family
Mary Ottoy says
Rod and family,
Was so sad to hear this today! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Roberta Willman says
It was a real enjoyment to know her as a friend & she had a bubaly personality.
Alvin and Sharon Wenz says
To the Kelly family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time! With heartfelt condolences we wish you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
Jim and Annalise Willson says
Rod, Peggy, and family we are so sorry to hear about Marilyn. She was such a good friend. we first knew her when she attended MCC. Rest in Peace Marilyn.
Jim and Annalise Willson
Kari says
To the lady who never yelled at us kids (even when such would have been highly appropriate), who always looked beautiful, who could outwork both man and machine, whose home was a sparking oasis, and who made the best Christmas cookie trays and popover casserole and 7 layer dip: Thank You for hauling the Cottonwood & Knowlton kiddos to and from swimming lessons and field trips and play dates. Thank you for your work in making the church and school and rest area glisten. The Proverbs 31 woman could have learned a lot from you. Thank you for your unwavering love and kindness. We honor who you are and all you did. Blessings as you delight in your Savior! Sending oodles of prayers for those who loved you the most.
Ray and Terri Schmidt says
We were so so sorry to learn of Marilyn’s passing. We have such wonderful memories of everyone coming into Munchies years ago. What an absolute beautiful family. We know she will truly missed by so many. Please know we are thinking of you all.
Jim Smith And the GOEX Family says
Sorry to hear about your Mother Shawn, she sounds like she was a wonderful mother and person . Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this trying time . God is good and he will help all of you through this.
JB Hodgdon says
Our deepest condolences to Shawn and all the family on his mother’s loss. She sounds like a wonderful woman. May God rest her soul.
JB and Anne Hodgdon
Lenexa, KS
Josh Reinke says
Rod Shawn Troy and the rest of the Kelly family so sorry to hear about Marilyn our deepest condolences. Praying for peace and comfort. She was an amazing woman with an affectionate smile and love for those who she met. She will be missed
Charlie, Katina, Hannah, and Hope Gonsioroski says
We were so shocked to hear of Marilyn’s passing. She was a lovely lovely lady and her obit is written so well, she truly was a selfless servant who loved her family!! Rod, your life partner is gone and we are so sad for you! What a blessing you two could work together for so many years and raise such a lovely family. So sorry for the loneliness you have to go through. Shawn and Troy, you have been blessed to have such a beautiful and wonderful woman you had the privilege of calling Mom!!! You have been blessed having such a loving mom who you never had to doubt her love for you or her faith in Jesus. Candice, I know you were the daughter Marilyn never had. What a blessing to her you were! And what a wonderful role model she was for you, showing you and teaching you how to be a “Kelly mom and wife” She was a great mother-in-law to you! Rachel and Ryan, you have been so blessed to have Marilyn as your grandma. And what a tremendous blessing you both were to her! There is not a doubt in my mind that you were the bright spot in her life. I am so sorry that you had to lose your dear grandma when there was still so much in life you’d have liked her to see and be a part of. Peggy, to lose your sister is so hard. Losing the person you grew up with; and your best friend is just so difficult. We are so sorry for each of your losses. Knowing you will see Marilyn again is a wonderful blessing yet living here on this earth until then is so hard. We have always tried to say to ourselves “don’t cry because it is over, smile because it happened” but how hard that is in times like these. Our deepest sympathy is with you all!! We love you! The Gonsioroski Family, Charlie, Katina, Hannah, and Hope
Dee McCants, Roberta Willman, Kathy Householder says
To all of Marilyn’s families: So very sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. A great lady in all respects and will be very missed by so many. She always made one feel happy, when visiting. Hold the memories close. They will help in the days ahead. God must have needed her expertise in so many things.
Denny Redman says
To Rod, Shawn and Troy and sister Peggy for sure, our deepest sympathies from the far west contingent of the Redmans in Washington State. I had exchanged a few letters now and then with Marilyn in the last few years but haven’t been back to the ranch for a long time. I thought the world of Marilyn and this is so unexpected. She was a star in her family and will be so missed.
Denny and Meg and daughter Emma and her husband Tom, who live next door to us.
Denise Harvey says
Dear family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you all. I know you will be missed so much. I also know that Rachel and Ryan will have a fierce and loving guardian angel forever as will all of you.
Take care and I hope cherished memories help you through the tough days.
Denise Harvey
Barb and Keith Hoover says
Rod, Shaun, Candice and Troy. You all are in my prayers. Marilyn was a great friend to me. We shared many messages back and forth through the years. I am relieved knowing I’ll see her again someday.
Holly Griebel-Askin Ort says
Marilyn has been such a bright light for friends, family, and her community. She will be missed and remembered for her loving heart.
Wanda & Craig Pinnow says
So sorry to read of Marilyn’s passing. She was such a roll model for all she touched. Her smile of recognizing a person was so warm and spoke a million words. She will be missed by many. She will be missed by many. May your faith in God help you through this difficult weeks ahead.
Wanda & Craig Pinnow says
So sorry to read of Marilyn’s passing. She was such a roll model for all she touched. Her smile of recognizing a person was so warm and spoke a million words. She will be missed by many. She will be missed by many..
May your faith in God help you through the difficult weeks ahead.
Linda Herzog Marcil and Dale says
To Rod and family, so sorry to hear about Marilyn, she was a Great person and will be missed by all, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Elwin & LaVerne ("Trink") Jones Hebner says
“Oh, dear Lord, it can’t be our Sissy and how she will be missed were my first thoughts when we got the sad news from Peggy, but it was her and she will be terribly missed by so many. Her Redman grandparents were best friends with my grandparents back when Grandpa Burke ran the grain elevator in Ismay and the friendship (almost family) has continued on thru the generations. Kate stayed with us in M.C. while waiting for Sissy’s birth and we shared the same bed till one day there was Marilyn. Such friendships are able to continue on if we are lucky but then to have such an unexpected loss is heartbreaking. The only real support we can find today is that she is safe now and that there are as many or more in Heaven who are as delighted to see her as we who are saddened over our loss. So we have to say, “We love you, Sissy; we’ll be seeing you one day soon”. Our love and prayers go out to all the family.
Jerry & Dianne Shumaker says
So very sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. She was a beautiful person inside and out!
Linda Howard says
Peggy:
I am so very sorry to read about Marilyn. I know how very close you two were. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you cope.
Byrd & Liz Stilwell says
Dear Rod and Family,
Their is sadness in our house today. The passing of a dear friend, and one who always had our back. Her love for Christ was readily apparent anytime you were in her presence. We remember the fellowship at the house, going out with Rod checking cattle-from horseback and from the air. Marilyn taking time, along with others, to help us understand the Montana culture. We especially appreciated her keeping in touch by email. It helped us to follow the family as it grew, kept us informed on the cattle and crop prices, the weather, and just the everyday life. There will be a vacuum for the children and grandchildren, but for you Rod, losing a soul mate of so many years will be heart wrenching, but Jesus is the Divine healer of hearts. We will be praying for you and for the family’s comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Marilyn & Jim May says
Rod, Troy, Shawn, Candice, Rachel, Ryan, Peggy & Earl
Our hearts are breaking with you. We shared all these years as friends & neighbors…. raising out kids together, fun times, branding , just so much. May God just give you comfort in the days ahead as you grieve the great loss of this dear woman of faith & love for each of you.
Marilyn & Jim May
Anita Vincenti says
To Shawn and the entire Kelly family, I am so very sorry for your loss. May you find solace in the cherished memories.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Amber (Schell) Lawlar says
Marilyn was a kind lady and always had a smile to greet one with. Hugs and prayers to you all during this extremely difficult time.
Brenda Pauley Witkowski says
Rod, Troy, Shawn, Candice, Rachel and Ryan,
I am so sorry. Words are so inadequate. My heart is so broken for you all. Rod and Marilyn had a marriage that we all dream of. Partners in every facet of their lives! Rod, you are very much in my prayers. I will be lifting you all up in this very difficult time! It is amazing how lives can weave in and out of other lives and leave such an impact. Childhood memories of 4-H dance lessons with the Kelly boys (some boys had germs, some didn’t), rural track meets, fishing at Boulware reservoir with Grandpa and Gramma Kate….I am a better person for having the Kelly/Redman family in my life. I can’t help but picture the reunion Marilyn had in heaven with Kate and Charles!!! This is such a hard time, but it does help that without a shadow of a doubt, we know where she is!!! I pray you feel the love from Marilyn in the days and years to come. Just know that there are so many of us that truly care about all of you. Please reach out if you need anything!
Patsy & Mike Davis says
Rod, Troy, Shawn, Candace, Rachel, Ryan, Peggy, Earl, Pam and all your extended families,
There are no words for your heartache, but sending you all love and prayers to get through, remembering a very Special Lady with the biggest heart ever, and loved her contagious laugh! Her obit and all the loving condolences say it all! Once a friend, always a friend, and she will be missed by so many!
Carl Zabrocki says
Old friends gone to soon, No words only a sadness shared
Happy Trails
Carl
Nancy Thielen Vorhees says
Rod and family, Peggy and Earl,
We are so sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. I have many fond memories from the early years and will always cherish my friendship with her. She will be missed by so many.
Dotti Green says
Rod and family, Peggy and Earl, Pam
My heart goes out to all of you, mine is broken. Marilyn was my first friend along with Peggy…the only kids in the neighborhood. Birthday parties, vacation bible school, overnights with Stella and Ted, one year of grade school together, drive-in movies, shearings, brandings. Marilyn and I, when the phone worked, often talked our way through the isolation of those long winters in the late 70’s. Her Mom and mine gave each other perms, talked sewing and probably wayward children and always exchanged birthday cards until the end. The world will not be the same without Marilyn in it. Fly high my friend.
Our deepest sympathy, Dotti and Larry
Jim B Obie says
My condolences to you and your family.
Kathy Leischner says
Jim and I send prayers to all of Marilyns family.
Kathy Leischner says
Jim and I send prayers to all of Marilyns family. She was a special lady.
marianne hockema says
From your cousins in Minnesota . . .sympathy and love to all . . . Marilyn was a Redman girl. . a Renaissance woman . . she could do anything. As my mother, also a Redman girl, would say. . “she came from good stock.” Beautiful woman, amazing mother and grandmother, loving sister.. and the world’s best partner and wife. I am so, so sorry .. the pain of her loss touches all of us .. but especially her loving and close family. Marilyn was a gift to so many in th is life . . she graced her family’s life; she made her Redman relatives proud — and she was a true Montanan. . . strong, loving, courageous, capable — a woman for all of us to admire and emulate. I cherished her annual chronicles of ranch life . . my deepest sympathy. Your Minnesota relatives are thinking of Marilyn’s family every day with love and sympathy. A hug from me for Rod and Peggy; Shawn and Troy, Candace, Rachel and Ryan . . .and a loving pat on the head for Annie. Marianne Hockema
Doug Ellingson says
Rod and Family, sister Peggy, So sorry to hear of your loss of Marilyn.A classmate and friend that all will surely miss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Doug and Diane
Jim and Margaret Joyce says
Rod and Family. We are so sorry to hear about Marilyn. Jim remembers you both during his early years at the college. What a happy person she was. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, May the memories help in the days ahead.
Helen Johnsen deines says
Rod and family, I remember marilyn from our time at mcc. Life as you knew has changed for you. I’m so sorry.
John and Lori Raisler says
I just saw this news and am heartbroken. So sorry, Rod and family. Marilyn was a delight and someone I looked forward to seeing on Sundays. God bless you all!
John and Lori
John, Teresa, Taylor & Trinity Rieger says
We are so sorry to hear about Marilyn. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, now and in the days ahead.
Carol Hellyer says
Rod and Family: So sorry to hear about the loss of your Marilyn. We loved running into you guys for a visit…just didn’t happen often enough. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Virgil and Carol
Steve and Debbie May says
Rod, and Family.
We were shocked to hear the news and our hearts break with yours. Marilyn had a heart of gold She loved Jesus, family and all those that she knew. She was so kindhearted and will be greatly missed. We pray for you as your grieve and rejoice with her as she is face to face with her Savior. Praying for you all.
Denise & Joe Borntrager says
Our condolences to the family and friends of Marilyn Kelly at this difficult time. She will be greatly missed. I met her through the Buck George family as they are my relatives.
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Shawn and family. I so sorry for the loss of Marilyn. God bless you Marilyn. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Bill and Sandy Jensen says
Rod and Family,
We send our sincere sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you for strength and peace💐
Shawn and Joanie Niedge says
Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family.