Marilynn Kammerath Gabettas, 81, of Idaho Falls, died of natural causes on June 6, 2016, at her home as a Roto-Rooter sewer truck pumped out the family septic system. It was a bad day on South Bellin Road.
That said, she had a great life — a 62-year marriage to her college beau, James Gabettas, (the two met at Utah State University back in the early 50s); raised four children who didn't give her a minute's trouble (according to them); and adored three incredible grandchildren (the entire family is in agreement here).
Marilynn was born March 30, 1935, in Salt Lake City to Myrtle and Edward Ryan Kammerath. She grew up in Montpelier, Idaho, graduated from Montpelier High School and attended USU, where she studied music and elementary education.
On Sept. 17, 1954, she married James and moved to Shoshone, Idaho, where Jim worked for the Bureau of Land Management, and Marilynn taught elementary school. Jim's job took the couple to Burley, Idaho, where they met a lot of nice people, including lifelong friends, Don and Marie Hansen; then to Boise, where they met more nice people; and to Idaho Falls, where they've lived for 33 years. Marilynn loved her neighbors on Bellin Road and enjoyed Idaho Falls – except for the wind. One of her favorite hangouts was the Idaho Falls Zoo.
For many years, Marilynn volunteered at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center and was a member of the Town and Country Extension Club. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a visiting teacher for 15 years.
She is survived by her husband, Jim; son, Jimmy (Milli) of Idaho Falls; daughter, Jennifer Jackson (Bill) of Pocatello; daughter, Chris Gabettas (Robb Powell) of Boise; three wonderful grandchildren, Amy Kramer (Brian) of Pocatello, Andy Chorn (Asher) of Boise and Ainsley Jackson of Pocatello; and brother, Doug Kammerath of Seattle, and his children, Shaun and Diane.
Marilynn was preceded in death by daughter, Laura; sons-in-law, Pat Chorn and Dennie Gough; and sister-in-law, Fran Kammerath.
Marilynn enjoyed collecting antique dolls and stuffed lambs — an extension of her love for old stuff and animals. She and Jim have never turned away a stray cat as family photo albums will attest.
The family thanks Cloud nine for the wonderful home care they provided Marilynn in recent years; Dr. Gene Hodges and his staff for their kind and compassionate medical care; and a brief, but comforting, assistance from Hearts for Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, friends can honor Marilynn's memory by a donation to the Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park or to a charity of choice .
The family will greet friends at 9 a.m. Friday, June 10, followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m. Both will be held at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Ave., in Idaho Falls. An afternoon graveside service will follow at 1 p.m. in Montpelier.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.