Marilyn Joan Baltz, 78

Marilyn Joan Baltz, 78, of Charlo passed away Monday, March 6, 2023, with her loving husband by her side.

Marilyn was born Aug. 6, 1944, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Charlie and Dorothy Dennis. Her family history was very important to her. Ancestry lines link her to England, Wales, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, Denmark, Eastern Europe, and Russia.

She graduated from Ronan High school in 1962. She attended business school in Billings and once remarked how she got by on $5 a week. On Dec. 7, 1968, she married Arlo Baltz in Ronan. They had been married 54 years. They loved spending time in nature, camping with Arlo out in the fishing boat while she listened to the radio and browsed her magazines. They would go hunting together and loved staying at the hunter’s cabin or in their camper.

Marilyn loved animals. She often named the animals like bears and deer that moved through the property. She loved those who did not have a voice.

Memories of her include her collection of bells; collecting driftwood for display in her flower gardens; and her love of forget-me-not flowers. She would walk down the road to visit her mother/parents/relatives and would be pulled along by her kids, just in case we heard wild animal sounds nearby.

Her sister, Norma, and brother Arlan preceded her in death. Survivors include her husband, Arlo, of Charlo; three children, Barry Baltz of Porter, Texas, Karen Baltz Gibbs of Newberg Ore., and Brenda Baltz, of Athens, N.Y.; her brother, Jerry Dennis of Wichita, Kan.; and four grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Marilyn’s wishes of donations be made to Mission Valley Animal Shelter in Polson.

Memorial services will be later when the weather permits safer travel. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.shriderthompson.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home and Crematory.