Marilyn Freeman Bills passed away peacefully on July 16, 2020 at 2:45 a.m. with her daughter and son-in-law (a son to her), Sherri and Kent Woolley at her side. Marilyn was a joy to be around! She was happy and content. She did not complain and didn’t have expectations. She could beat anyone at Pinochle, and you were lucky to learn the game and tricks from her.

Marilyn was born in Pegram, Idaho on Nov. 6, 1930 to DeVarel and Caroline Freeman. She had one older brother, Jack Freeman. She would have been 90 years old in November this year. Her father was a sheep man and she grew up on a ranch in Border, Wyoming. At a young age she had chores on the ranch and helped her mother fix and serve meals to their hired help. She graduated from Montpelier High School in 1949. It was in high school that she met Wade L. Bills from Montpelier, Idaho and they were married on April 7, 1949 at Border, Wyoming.

Wade worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and they moved from Montpelier to Pocatello, Idaho where they bought and lived in a red brick house on the corner of Pine and McKinley Streets for many years. After all the kids had grown up and were gone, Dad built a beautiful cedar home for mom on Johnny Creek Road. You drove down the lane lined with Juniper trees and the house was on a knoll at end that opened up to an amazing view of the valley. We all loved that home! Dad built all the kitchen counters and cupboards lower so they were more convenient for her height.

She was a remarkable seamstress! She made most of her own clothes (she was only 4’ 2”) and made all of Sherri’s prom dresses, which were beautiful. She made clothes, quilts and soft blankets for her grandchildren.

Mom retired after working over 15 years for Mountain Bell as a hostess in the break room. She would go early in the morning, pick up doughnuts, make coffee and keep the break room tidy. Everyone loved her and she made many dear friends.

Dad was an alcoholic most of their married life. In 1975 he sobered up and started going to Alcoholics Anonymous and Mom started going to Al-Anon – the program for friends and family of alcoholics. They were totally committed to the programs and served, supported, and helped many, many people. Mom was the Idaho Delegate for Al-Anon for a few years and traveled to New York, Hawaii and many other places as she represented Idaho Al-Anon. Little 4’ 2’ Marilyn. She was amazing!!

Wade smoked most of his life. He finally quit but still died of lung cancer at home on Nov. 2, 1998. Mom continued to live in her beautiful home, with the help of her son L.D., and son Kevin and his wife Varina until 2018 when she move to Legacy House of Taylorsville, Utah to be closer to her daughter, Sherri and many of her grandchildren.

Sherri was so happy! She was 5.5 miles and 15 minutes away for the first time in over 40 years, making it possible for Sherri and many of her It's O.K. todaygrandchildren to see her often. Someone was visiting her almost every day. And we loved that! She loved games like Pinochle, Las Vegas rummy, Yahtzee and Phase 10 dice. She was always up for a game.

Everyone at Legacy loved Marilyn! She was happy and kind and fun to be around. She made some very dear friends while she lived there. Thank you, Legacy and residents for all your kindness right to the end.

And the end was tough. Starting March 13 no one was allowed to visit Legacy residents in person because of the pandemic. So, we would drop goodies off at the front door and drive over to the north side and call her. She was able to see us from her 2nd floor apartment window and we would talk and laugh.

The week before she died, Sherri and Kent took her to the ER twice and were so grateful to see and hug her before she passed, although she was in a lot of pain the second trip to ER. Two days later, she passed away peacefully on July 16, 2020 at 2:45 a.m. with Sherri and Kent Woolley by her side.

Marilyn’s remains will be cremated and we are hoping to have a gathering to celebrate her life when it’s safe to get together after the pandemic subsides. In the meantime, please post comments and pictures in the timeline https://www.thememories.com/obituary/marilyn-bills/25603#/timeline and sign the guestbook https://www.thememories.com/obituary/marilyn-bills/25603#/guestbook to celebrate Marilyn’s wonderful influence in your life.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sherri & Kent Woolley and her son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Varina Bills; 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Remember to hug your Mom!