Marilyn H. (Slaney) Mason, 85
Marilyn H. (Slaney) Mason passed away peacefully on Monday, June 10, 2019, at Good Samaritan Mountain View Manor in Eureka. She was born on Sept. 24, 1933, in Los Angeles to William and Hazel (Robbe) Slaney. She was the oldest of eight children. The young family moved to Eureka in 1934 where she started school at Roosevelt Elementary and eventually graduated from Lincoln County High School in 1952.
She married Robert L. Mason on Oct. 11, 1952. They had four children, Bobbi, Pam, Gary Mason and Tana.
She was preceded in death by her mom and dad, husband Robert and brothers, Donald Slaney, Clifford Slaney and Glenn “Buddy” Johnston, and sisters Vicki (Swanson) Barrett and Michelle Nelson.
Marilyn loved her life growing up in the Tobacco Valley and raising her children in Eureka. She was active in the Eastern Star, bowling, golf and several clubs. Her warm personality made her many, many friends where ever she lived or visited. Some of her and Bob’s favorite things were dancing together and playing golf and bowling. The many friendships she made over her lifetime were some of her fondest memories that she held so dear. She worked at the local dentist office for several years with Doctors Fulbright, French & Daniels.
In 1992, Bob and Marilyn retired and moved to Rathdrum, Idaho, living on Twin Lakes Village Golf Course where they made several close friends and enjoyed their retirement years together. They moved back to Eureka in June 2008 due to Bob’s declining health. Marilyn’s enduring love and care for Bob was nothing short of admirable. She spent nearly every day for over five years caring for and visiting him at the nursing home. After Bob’s passing, Marilyn’s health left her mostly relaxing at home and enjoying her remaining time with her children, grandchildren and several close friends. One memory of her was when, at her 80th birthday party, she went zip lining at her daughter Bobbi’s house on Michael’s homemade zip line. Like most rural Montana moms from her era, Marilyn was as solid as a rock in the upbringing of her children. She was always kind and loving, but with a stern hand that held her family together. This contributed to the closeness of her children and their families today. Being the oldest sibling, she played an instrumental part in the caring and the growing up of her younger brothers and sisters. She was always a grand and beautiful lady. She will be sorely missed by many.
She is survived by her children, Bobbi (Mike) Hedges, Pam (Jake) Pluid, Gary (Sandi) Mason, and Tana (Mark) Johnston; a brother, Dallas (Linda) Johnston; sister, Flori (Swanson) Benner, and sisters-in-law, Barbara Mason Morgan, Ivey Slaney, Sherry Slaney and brother-in-law Mike Barrett; 10 grandchildren, Kami, Jaime, Cody, Dru, Leslie, Beau, Kyle, Justin, Shanan and Paige; 14 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins and many wonderful friends. At Marilyn’s request, a private, family service will be held at St. Michael Episcopal Church.
A graveside service for family and friends is being held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, June 14, at the Tobacco Valley Cemetery, immediately followed by a reception at the North Point Banquet room in Eureka.
Her wishes were that memorials be given to St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Eureka.
Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Eureka. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.