Marilyn Mildred Trueblood, 85

On the afternoon of Oct. 14, 2013 Marilyn Mildred Trueblood, 85, passed away at the Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, from complications related to COPD.

Marilyn Mildred Casselberry was born on Feb. 26, 1928, on the family farm near Shelby, Neb., in the same house, room, and bed in which her father was born. She was the first child of Lynn William and Marie Ethel (Whitney) Casselberry.

Marilyn graduated Arkansas City High School in 1946. Two years later she married Carl L Killingsworth and began raising a family in Coffeyville, Kan.

In 1963 Marilyn moved with her children to the Ponca City, Okla., area where she attended business school and began a career at Conoco.

Having previously worked as a freelance commercial artist, including painting for Hallmark cards, she applied her art skills to the work of corporate graphic arts for 12 years.

While there she met and married Tennis Bowles (d. 1987). They lived in Ponca City until retiring to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, in 1976.

Marilyn lived her dream of devoting her life to art and painting for more than 30 years in Bonners Ferry and Coeur d’Alene. She found endless inspiration in the mountains, lakes and natural beauty of the Northwest, and a welcoming arts community of fellow painters and supportive gallery owners.

Her nature and wildlife art won many awards, having participated in as many as 12 juried invitational shows per year. Her artwork was on display in galleries in six states. She was a signature member of the Oil Painters of America.

In 1990 Marilyn married Donald E Trueblood, who succumbed to cancer in 2001.

Marilyn is survived by her son Lynn S. Killingsworth of Bangor, Maine, daughter Katie King of Spokane, Wash., and son Chris (Joann) Killingsworth of Morgan Hill, Calif.

She was preceded in death by her brother Lynn W Casselberry, Jr and son John C (Debbie) Killingsworth. Marilyn was blessed with eight grandchildren: Rachel (Rob) Dukart, Fred Killingsworth, Marilyn (Bryon) Kunz, Cheryl (Todd) Templeton, Andy (Jackie) Killingsworth, Brian (Ashley) Killingsworth, Charlie King, and Sarah Killingsworth.

Visit Marilyn’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.