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Marilyn Jean Foote (nee Willford / Butler), beloved wife of the late Arvel Wayne Foote, passed away peacefully in Lethbridge on May 20, 2026 at the age of 88 after a brief hospital stay and a long and well lived life. At the time of her passing Marilyn was a resident of The Extendicare Fairmont Park in Lethbridge.

Marilyn was born September 21, 1937 in St. Catharines, Ontario to Ronald and Doris Willford. She had many happy memories shared with her loving paternal Grandparents and cousins in her early years. She and her family moved to Calgary, Alberta when she was 10 years old. A new chapter began when the family moved once again, but this time to New Zealand when she was a teenager.

Marilyn cherished her years living in New Zealand where she grew to love the culture, enjoyed many wonderful experiences and made many lifelong friendships. She had the opportunity to meet President David O'McKay and sing to him in a choir. This is also where she met the love of her life, Arvel, the night before he came home from serving in the Auckland, New Zealand Mission. He was invited to their home for supper and claimed that he fell in love with her while helping her do the dishes. After many love letters back and forth, she followed him to Alberta and was lovingly welcomed by Arvel's parents and family. They were married in the Cardston Alberta Temple for time and all eternity on September 25, 1957.

Together, Arvel and Marilyn built a beautiful life centered on faith and family. Over the years they welcomed six children, and Marilyn dedicated her life to loving and serving them. She had a special song for each of her children. Our home was often filled with the sound of her singing the songs that she loved, especially our own special songs. Each of her grandchildren were gifted with a nickname unique to them. As her memory began to fail her, she quickly remembered her grandchildren whenever they greeted her by using their nickname.

Marilyn was a lifelong learner and was eager to learn skills all throughout her life. She had a beautiful singing voice and enjoyed acting in community plays in her earlier years. She was a beautiful seamstress, making most of her children's clothing and many costumes that were enjoyed for years. She also taught all of her girls this valuable skill. Marilyn was an accomplished cook and baker, her family were the lucky recipients of many delicious meals and desserts, especially her perfect apple pies and wonderful homemade bread. Arvel loved to grow a huge garden every year and together they processed and froze their bounteous harvest. She said that her favorite vegetable to process was corn because this required the entire family to work together picking and husking the corn all the way to closing up the many bags ready for the freezer. They always processed enough fruits and vegetables to feed their large family the entire year. They certainly taught all their children about teamwork and good work ethic.

Marilyn had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ, which carried her through some very difficult challenges throughout her life. A devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, she served faithfully in many capacities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – among children, youth, women and music. She also strongly supported Arvel in the many callings he held throughout their life together. Marilyn especially cherished the years that she and Arvel served together as Temple ordinance workers, she had a strong testimony of the covenants made there. She found peace and joy whenever she was in the Temple.

She loved and cherished each of her children, warmly welcomed each of their spouses as they joined our family. Each grandchild and great-grandchild were eagerly anticipated and deeply loved. She called them the "jewels in her crown".

Marilyn's legacy is one of unwavering faith and deep family love. She touched countless lives with her warmth, generosity and discipleship. She was loved by many and will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Marilyn is survived by her children Tony (Doryta) Foote of Edmonton, Letha Foote of Lethbridge, Stephen Foote of Beaver Mines, Cheryl (Darryl) Shimbashi of Barnwell, Shane (Shannon) Foote of Raymond and Tricia Williams of Barnwell.

Her 17 Grandchildren: Brandon, Chelsea (Jonathan), Jonathan, Chantel (Byron), Kathleen (Chris), Brittany (Mike), Melissa (Ryan), Stephanie, Carter (Larissa), Brookelyn, Jaxon, Raeanna (Quinn), Rhys (Ava), Aidan, Kayleigh (Tracer), Brody & Connor. She was also blessed with 19 great grandchildren.

Her siblings; Duenna (Dwayne) Anderson, Leanna (Steve) Minnick, Grayson (Lorene) Butler, Gerry (Cherie) Butler, Jolene (Jim) West and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

She was predeceased by her husband, Arvel Foote, grandson Keiton Shimbashi, great granddaughter Angelica Foote, her parents and 4 brothers: Billy, Don, Richard and Dennis.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday May 28, 2026 at 1:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-day Saints (205 Fairmont Blvd S, Lethbridge). Friends are invited to meet the family on Wednesday May 27, from 7:00–8:00 pm at Salmon & Sons Funeral Home (433 Stubb Ross Rd S, Lethbridge). Interment will take place at 11:00 am at the Temple Hill Cemetery prior to the funeral service for those that wish to attend.

A link for the livesream will be available here, prior to the service.