Marilyn Kay Holdeman

Marilyn Kay Holdeman was born on March 18, 1955, to Paul and Hazel (Peters) Holdeman. One of twelve children, she liked to say she was the youngest of the oldest six. After a brief battle with cancer, she passed from this life to be with Jesus on May 15, 2026, at the age of 71.

Marilyn spent her childhood in Harrison, Michigan, where she also received her education.

As a teenager, she gave her heart to God and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, and remained faithful to the end.

Although marriage was not part of God’s plan for her life, Marilyn treasured her many nieces and nephews—forty-nine in all—as well as her one hundred forty-five great-nieces and nephews and ten great-great nieces and nephews. She had a special gift for making each one feel loved.

She began working at an early age and held a variety of jobs. Over the years, she worked in a pallet factory, owned and operated a bakery, cooked in nursing homes, taught in a school in Halstead, Kansas, babysat, provided foster care, and spent many years sewing as Auntie M’s. A special highlight for her was helping weigh trucks during harvest.

When our parents needed help, Marilyn was there to care for them. She loved to travel and took them to many places. She also fulfilled a longtime dream of traveling abroad by visiting with family who were serving on a mission in Peru. She made friends wherever she went.

Those who cherish her memory include her siblings: Maynard and Judy of Buhl, Idaho; Ruth Boehs of Hillsboro, Kansas; Judy and Roger Koehn of Montezuma, Kansas; Betty and Kelvin Koehn of Buhl, Idaho; Wayne and Bev of Hawkeye, Iowa; Richard of Buhl, Idaho; Ferla and Victor Koehn of Monterey, Tennessee; Wanda and Errol Koehn of Hawkeye, Iowa; Ron and Glenda of Buhl, Idaho; and Don and Sandy of Scio, Oregon; her sister-in-law, Rose Holdeman of Glenn, California; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her special friend, Donna Wiebe, whom she called “Mom”.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Marjorie; one brother-in-law, Edward Boehs; one niece; and two nephews.

A public viewing will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 6pm to 8pm at the Valley View Mennonite Church, 3925 North 1900 East, Filer Idaho 83328. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 10am at the Valley View Mennonite Church.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Marilyn’s memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.