Marilyn Butler Ray, 86, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was under the care of Homestead Home Health and Hospice due to complications from Parkinson's disease.

Marilyn was born on January 28, 1939, in Chinook, Montana, to Ray Goold Butler and Thelma Wadsworth Butler. She spent her early childhood in Montana before her family settled in southeastern Idaho. They lived for a time in Taylor and Rigby before making their home in Ammon, where Marilyn attended Bonneville High School. She later continued her education at Ricks College in Rexburg.

In July 1963, at the age of 24, Marilyn married Edward Heuer, and together they raised four children: Linda, Mike, Lori, and Greg. Though life took them in different directions, they shared many years and memories as a family. In 1984, she married Garn Ray, and their marriage was later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple in June 2004. Marilyn and Garn shared a deep love and companionship that brought them great joy throughout their years together.

Marilyn worked for Beauty for All Seasons and the Idaho National Laboratory, but her greatest fulfillment came from being a mother and homemaker. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and found happiness in simple, meaningful moments, including camping in the mountains, spending time with family, and playing games like Scrabble and Yahtzee.

She is survived by her children Linda Alder of Utah; Mike (Shara) Heuer of Utah; Lori Dimick of Idaho; and Greg (Joanna) Heuer of Colorado; stepchildren Roger (Becky) Ray of Nevada; Brent (Evelyn) Ray of Idaho; and Brenda (Ron) Hauser of Utah; her brother Wayne Butler of Idaho; sisters Elaine (Wayne) Robinson, Carol (Dayle) Holm, and Donna Empey, all of Idaho, and Patsy (Steve) Vaughn of Utah; 21 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Garn Ray; her parents, Ray Goold Bulter and Thelma Wadsworth Butler; and her sister, Marlene Butler.

Private family services will be held under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Interment will take place in the Ucon Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com.