Age 91 – Hamilton, Montana
Marilyn “Mere” Mildenberger passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at her home in Hamilton on July 24, 2026, at the age of 91.
Born March 11, 1935, to Walter and Marie (Thrailkill) Maki, in Hamilton Montana, Marilyn spent nearly her entire life in the Bitterroot Valley.
Marilyn and Harold’s story began long before their marriage. They first met as children in third grade. It was love at the first pull of the pigtails. From then on, they only had eyes for each other. Marilyn was told by her parents she couldn’t marry until she graduated from high school. With that incentive, she graduated with honors in three years! They married in Hamilton in September 1952 when Harold was home on leave, beginning a life together that would span more than seven decades.
Soon after marrying, they moved to San Diego, where Harold was stationed with the Navy. One day, Harold dropped Marilyn at the telephone company and told her, “We both need jobs.” When she returned saying they weren’t hiring, he sent her back inside and told her not to take no for an answer. A short while later, Marilyn came running back out, calling, “I start tomorrow!”
It was a small story that captured so much of who Mere’ as: spirited, determined and never afraid to make something happen.
In 1954, they returned home to the Bitterroot Valley, where Marilyn worked alongside Harold as they built their automobile business, their family and a beautiful life together. Harold found the houses and ranches; Mere’ made them beautiful. She had an extraordinary eye and a natural gift for transforming a place with hard work and imagination.
She had the vision of seeing a project totally completed. Boy did Mom love color! She always said “Color makes me feel happy!” She leaves behind more than beautiful homes and cherished traditions; she leaves a family shaped by her generosity and generations who will carry pieces of her with them.
She loved family, friendship, beauty and a life well lived. She had style, humor, strength and a presence all her own. Mere’ always had makeup as well as a smile on her face. And boy, don’t forget the earrings! No matter what time Dad got home from selling a car, she would be dressed up and have his drink with crushed ice and dinner ready.
Mere’ had a way of making the ordinary beautiful, and those who loved her will see traces of her in beautiful things for the rest of their lives. But the most beautiful thing about Mere’ was the way she gave.
She made people feel remembered. Birthdays were celebrated, holidays were magical, tables were beautiful and doors were always open. Thanksgiving and Christmas at Mere’s could feel like something from a Hallmark movie—not because everything was perfect, but because she put so much love into making life special for everyone around her.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Marie Maki, her beloved husband, Harold Mildenberger, and her sister, Barbara Frey Edens.
She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Peterson and grandchildren Krystle (Michael) Balduzzi and Brandon (Jacey) Peterson. Also surviving are her son Brad Mildenberger and fiancé Tanya Hicks and grandchildren, Melissa (Ryan) Berg, Katie Brennan, Ali (Damian) Khoury, Ashli (Garrett) Gurnett, Martina Hicks and thirteen great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Lanya McAllister and brother Kirby Maki and numerous nieces and nephews.
We wish to thank with loving hearts True Care Personalized Home Care and their entire staff for the wonderful care they provided for our Mom.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3. In true Mere’ fashion, her family hopes the afternoon will be filled not only with remembrance, but with stories, laughter, beauty and celebration for a life so very well lived. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to: Bitterroot Health Hospice, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton MT 59840; Bitterroot Shriners Club, 153 Wyant Lane, Hamilton MT 59840; Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department, P O Box 562, Hamilton MT 59840; Haven House, P O Box 1343, Hamilton MT 59840; Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, 4200 South Fourth Street, Leavenworth KS 66048; Or any charity of your choice.
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