Marilyn Sue Waltermire

Marilyn Sue Waltermire, longtime resident of Perry, Oklahoma, passed away on Nov. 10, 2026. She was born Feb. 3, 1940, in Lucien to Burton and Mary Ellen (Holt) Durkee and raised in the Billings community. She attended Highview Midco Country School before graduating from Billings High School in 1958, playing basketball and softball, serving as a twirler, and performing in the school band as a flutist. Her time in school would come full circle more than 50 years later when a couple from New Zealand ( https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/customs-classics/65763607/lessons-learned-in-school-bus-conversion) bought a bus that she and her classmates had signed on the ceiling. One of her favorite accomplishments was perfect attendance throughout high school, a reflection of her dedication and dependability.

On Sept. 3, 1961, she married Fred Waltermire. The couple moved to Norman while Fred attended the University of Oklahoma, and Marilyn worked for First National Bank and Trust Company. After graduation, the couple moved south of Perry where they raised their three children.

More than anything else, Marilyn loved her family and her family loved her. Her children most remember that she celebrated them in every accomplishment, spent her days supporting them at sports and other school events, encouraged them through every challenge, and took immense pride in the people they became. Among those many qualities, her sons fondly consider “putting up with Fred” her most saintly. As Grandma Marilyn, she always had chocolate milk mix and marshmallows stashed in a lower cabinet, would bake chocolate sheet cakes for birthdays, and had tea brewed and ice in the icebox for a cold glass on a summer afternoon. Evenings at Grandma and Grandpa’s were usually spent watching Wheel of Fortune followed by NCIS, and she was always ready with a Sesame Street book to read to the littlest ones before naps or bedtime. Sports were also a staple on her television. A devoted Sooners fan, she also faithfully followed Oklahoma State, Air Force, and Navy.

Marilyn’s talent for numbers, accounting, and attention to detail served her well throughout her professional career in banking before spending 30 years at Noble County Tractor. She was respected for her accuracy, dedication, and strong work ethic. A proud member of Beta Sigma Phi, Marilyn treasured the friendships she built over the years and could reliably be found having coffee at the Kumback most mornings. She enjoyed traveling with friends, bowling competitively, and attending Broadway productions in Oklahoma City. She would also spend time at home playing card games, board games, and putting together puzzles.

Marilyn is survived by her two sons, James B. Waltermire and wife Brenda of Stillwater, and Scott Waltermire and wife Christina of Monterey, California; her daughter, Julie Holder and husband Rob of Tulsa; and seven grandchildren, Brigette Waltermire, Sean Waltermire, Riley Gaebel and husband Cristian, Sydney Holder, Ryan Holder, Jacob Waltermire, and Luke Waltermire.

She is also survived by her siblings, Bruce Durkee and wife Karen, Karen Culp, and Mary Jane Kendall and husband Gary; sister-in-law, Cecilia Durkee; brothers-in-law, Jim Waltermire and wife Kathleen, and Jack Powers; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Fred Waltermire; her parents, Burton and Mary Ellen Durkee; her in-laws, Elmer and Sallie Waltermire; her brother, Duane Durkee; her sister-in-law, Linda Powers; her brother-in-law, Richard Culp; and her grandson, Jason Scott Waltermire.

She will be remembered for her gentle laugh, infectious smile, unwavering devotion to family, loyal friendships, strong work ethic, and quiet kindness. She found joy in the success and happiness of others and spent a lifetime showing up for the people she loved. Marilyn’s legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, extended family, and the many friends whose lives were enriched knowing her.

A celebration of life for Marilyn will be held at Billings Christian Church (116 E Weaver Billings, OK) on Nov. 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Dighton-Marler Funeral Home of Perry.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”