Obituary: Marilyn Margaret Barnett
Author: Family Of Marilyn Margaret Barnett
Article Published: // Volume: Edition: November 14, 1941 – June 1, 2026
On the afternoon of June 1, 2026, Marilyn passed away at Townsend Hospital from stroke complications. Marilyn was 84 years old. She was born on November 14, 1941 in Spokane, WA to Delmar and Margaret Smith. Marilyn’s hometown was Radersburg, MT.
Marilyn attended High School in Moro, Oregon and attended the University of Oregon. On September 26, 1960, Marilyn married Keith Barnett. Husband Keith recalls that Marilyn was an expert markswoman with either pistol or rifle, shooting 44 magnum pistols without hesitation.
Around 1965 Keith and Marilyn started floating the Colorado River where Keith was a boatman for six years. During the first trip, Marilyn was six months pregnant with first born son Paul and hiked 20 miles out of the Grand Canyon in extreme heat. Marilyn and family embarked on many several day river running excursions as well as backpacking trips.
Marilyn and family moved to various locations in Montana settling in Radersburg in the early 1970’s. Marilyn drove her beloved team of mules in the Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming centennial wagon trains.
Marilyn was an expert in cooking wild game and putting together gourmet meals in extreme conditions, often over a fire or in an old VW bus or slide in camper. Many meals were prepared for several individuals giving her the nickname of Ma Barnett. Marilyn milked cows, sold milk & cream, bartended, waitressed and drove truck to make ends meet. Later in life Marilyn became an extreme seamstress, making quilts, blankets and many articles of clothing for all. Marilyn kept three sewing machines running and wore out several.
Marilyn was a mother to many and friend to all.
Marilyn is survived by her Spouse Keith Barnett; Son Lee Barnett; Granddaughter Morgan White; Grandson Brandan Barnett; Great Grandsons Dalton White and Wyall White; Great Grandaughter Addison Krebbs; and Brother William Smith.
She is preceded in death by son Paul Barnett.
Memorial Services will be held TBD at her home in Radersburg where her ashes will be distributed.
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