Marilyn Adele Carter

Marilyn Adele Carter, 83, born October 9^th, 1939 was called to the Lord on January 28th, 2023. Marilyn was raised in Spokane and attended Lewis and Clark High School. She earned a BA in Sociology from Whitworth college and worked for the State of Washington in the welfare department.

Marilyn married Gordon Kirk in 1961 and together they had two children a daughter, Kimberly and a son, Jon. She soon realized social work was not her passion and pursued a teaching certificate and a master’s degree from Whitworth College.

Shortly after earning her degree, she tragically had a stroke at the early age of 28. Marilyn had many obstacles to overcome, and she did not know the word can’t and kept going with an amazing resilience. She went on to teach 2nd and 3rd grade with the Mead School District until her retirement in 1997. She was an inspiration to all she encountered, her love of life and the care of her many students that passed through her door. During her teaching career she met and became close friends with Sue and even went on to walk Bloomsday for many years. They were prayer warriors for everyone in need. She never ceased to amaze us.

Marilyn married Harry Carter in 1981 and they moved to Lolo Montana, a place they visited and called home. She loved the Lolo community and quickly embraced life there. Marilyn became incredibly involved in Lolo Community Church, teaching AWANA cubbies and participating in all the church had to offer from Sunday School to bible studies. Going to bible camp was a favorite summer activity. She loved the Lord and the church. She was fondly known as Grandma C.

Marilyn also volunteered at Lolo and Florence school. She always enjoyed working with the students and never stopped being a teacher. She could always be found at Harvest Foods having coffee with her amazing friends Lavonne and Gloria. She also never missed a hair appointment at Just Teasin with Kristie.

Marilyn made each of her grandchildren special photo albums that she put together with care. She always had a camera with her to take memories for the albums she created. She took immense pride in these books and cherished making them. One of mom’s greatest joys was making cookies for all the grandchildren and neighbor kids. You could always count on her for homemade Almond Roca on holidays. If she was not baking, she was doing puzzles with her special friend Ron Smith.

She is remembered by her son, Jon Kirk (April) and daughter, Kim Swanson; grandchildren: Dustin Hansen, Breanna Schmitt (Ryan), Cheyanne Swanson, Jacob Kirk and Rachel Kirk; and her great-grandchild Jackson Schmitt.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Carter; special friend, Ron Smith; brother, Loren Kirsch; and her parents Al & Catherine Kirsch.

Marilyn will always be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Heaven received an amazing angel, and she will always be with us.

The Carter Family would like to thank Kathy’s Place in Florence, MT, Cornerstone Court in Spokane, WA, and Hospice of Spokane for the care that was given to her and for their kindness and compassion.

Funeral Services will be held at 10am on Friday, March 3^rd at Riplinger Funeral Home, 4305 N Division St in Spokane. Burial will follow at Greenwood Memorial Terrace, 211 N Government Way, Spokane, WA.