Marilyn Cole

Marilyn Moran Upham Cole "Good Woman" Nii'ii ilaa
Marilyn Moran Cole was a strong and proud Aaniiih woman, a woman of faith, and a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, relative, and friend. Her Indian name, "Good Woman," was given to her by her great-grandmother, Jenny Winters Bad Road, a name that beautifully reflected the caring and generous way Marilyn lived her lite.
Born to Esther Ohlerking Moran and Lee Gone, Marilyn spent her early childhood in Hays, Montana, before moving to Butte. She later earned her GED in Helena and eventually made her home in Washington State, where she attended Seattle Community College. Marilyn had a special love for children and elders. For more than 20 years, she devoted herself to caring for elderly people and individuals with disabilities. Children were always welcome in Marilyn's home, where she made everyone feel like family. She loved her children and grandchildren deeply and took great joy in caring for and spending time with those she loved. Marilyn was an excellent cook and skilled seamstress who enjoyed visiting relatives, attending powwows, and making her home a welcoming place. She especially loved Christmas and filled her home with decorations for the children to enjoy.
A cowgirl at heart, Marilyn loved horses, calves, dogs, and the cowboy way of life she lived with the love of her life, Billy Cole. She also enjoyed attending the Muckleshoot Powwow and visiting with friends and relatives. Marilyn will especially be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor. She loved to laugh, tease, tell stories, and bring laughter to those around her. She was kindhearted and generous, but she could also be stubborn when she made up her mind; a quality her family remembers with love and a smile.
Throughout her life, Marilyn's faith helped carry her through both joy and sorrow. She is preceded in death by her beloved husbands, William Upham and Billy Cole; her children, Alan James "Donnie" Cole and Diana Sue Cole, and her brother Anthony Stiffarm, and granddaughter, Mariah Doney. She is survived by her siblings, Gary Moran and Susan Moran Upham Tipton Messerly; her grandchildren, Stacey Plumage, Mahena Cole, and Matthew Freitas; all her special niece Lailani Upham and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved her dearly.
Marilyn leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, strength, and laughter. She will be remembered for the children she welcomed, the elders she cared for, the family she loved, and the laughter she shared. Her great-grandmother named her "Good Woman." It was not simply the name Marilyn carried, it was the life she lived.
Forgive us if we inadvertently left anyone out.
Please join the family for a shared meal at the St Paul's Mission Rec Center immediately after the burial.

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