Marilyn F Barrie

September 13, 1944 – February 9, 2026

Marilyn Frances Barrie was born on September 13, 1944, in San Diego, California, to Robert Acton and Mildred Still. On February 9, 2026, she went home to be with her Lord and Savior.

On November 25, 1962, she married Loyal Eldon Barrie. Together they shared 43 years of marriage until Loyal’s passing on December 21, 2005.

Marilyn and Loyal began their married life on the family farm near Turton, South Dakota, where they welcomed their first child, Laura Elizabeth, on December 13, 1963, followed by their son, John Joseph, on June 24, 1965.

In 1967, they made the decision to sell the farm and move their growing family to Yreka, California. There, Loyal accepted a position at Yreka High School and also worked part-time on a local ranch.

While Marilyn was back in South Dakota with Margie, assisting with the farm auction, she learned from the local banker that Loyal had purchased a home in Yreka.

Their third child, Robin Francis, was born in Yreka on May 3, 1968.

An avid reader with a lifelong love of books, Marilyn began working at the Siskiyou County Library in 1971 as an assistant librarian. In 1985, she became the Siskiyou County Children’s Librarian, a role she cherished. She developed and maintained the children’s collection, partnered with local schools, and led children’s summer and Christmas reading programs. Marilyn had a gift for inspiring young readers and nurturing a love of learning. After more than 26 years of dedicated service, she retired in 1997.

Marilyn enjoyed crocheting, knitting, needlepoint, and sewing, making afghans for family and friends. She donated many handmade afghans and hats to seniors and hospitals for newborns. She proudly entered some of her creations in local county fairs, earning ribbons for her craftsmanship.

Marilyn’s contributions to her community were many. She was honored as Yreka Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and established and maintained a library program at the United Methodist Church, where she also taught Sunday School.

Marilyn enjoyed camping in the local Yreka area with Loyal and their Roadrunner group, friends and family. They also enjoyed camping on the coast of Northern California. They continued traveling to South Dakota to visit relatives until Loyal’s health declined. During his illness, Marilyn devoted herself to his care, managing his home dialysis treatments, coordinating appointments, and ensuring his comfort.

In March 2002, they moved to Cottonwood, California, to be closer to their children and grandchildren and to avoid winter travel over the Siskiyou Mountains. Marilyn rarely missed a grandchild’s sporting event or school activity, often providing transportation and even computers and printers to support homework.

Marilyn enjoyed her volunteer work at the DaVita dialysis center in Redding, where she served as a welcoming presence for several years. She also decorated for the seasons, organized special meals for the patients, staff and volunteers—including a Christmas lunch—and helped coordinate the annual patient picnic.

In 2015, Marilyn joined the Presbyterian Church of Red Bluff. The following year, she was ordained as a deacon, faithfully visiting homebound members and regularly bringing them communion.

In 2019, Marilyn moved to Sundial Assisted Living Facility in Redding. She quickly formed friendships with residents and staff alike and was affectionately known as the “mayor” of Sundial. She embraced activities with enthusiasm and found joy in lifting others’ spirits—whether through a joke, a poem, a song or her monthly comedy “hour” presentation. She had a special gift for welcoming new residents and helping them feel at home. In later years, she discovered a love for adult coloring books, creating beautiful artwork to share with family, friends, and caregivers.

Marilyn is survived by her sister, Elaine Lundy of Dexter, Oregon; her brother, Phil Acton of Custer, South Dakota; her sister & brother-in-law, Robert and Margie Noonan of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; her children, Laura and Mike Bogue of Oak Run, California; John and Laura Barrie of Cottonwood, California; and Robin and Margenia Barrie of Redding, California; as well as nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Marilyn will be remembered for her unwavering faith, love of family, and dedication to serving others. Her final resting place will be St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Turton, SD with Loyal and other family members.