Mariluise R. Dougherty

Mariluise R. Dougherty, 97, died peacefully under the tender care of Peace Hospice on April 26, 2021. A memorial service is planned for Friday, May 28, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Sunrise Presbyterian Church, (3809 6th Ave S, Great Falls). Cremation has taken place under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home. Marilu is survived by sons, Daniel (Rebecca) of Brooklyn Park, MN and Robert of Idaho Falls; son-in-law, Ed Moran of Great Falls; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Marilu was born February 24, 1924 in Helena. She was adopted by Marie and Algernon C. Routzahn and was raised in Great Falls where her mother ran a millinery shop and her father was a banker. She spent her summers on her father’s small ranch near Craig, riding her horse as much as possible and romping with her dogs. During her lifetime she was seldom without a dog. Marilu attended grade school and junior high in Great Falls, graduating from Mount Diablo High school in Concord, California where her family spent several winters. She graduated from College of the Pacific in Stockton, California with a degree in biology. She also received training as a medical technologist. She returned home to work many years at the Great Falls Clinic and Northwest Medical Group, retiring in 1994. She then turned her energy to volunteering activities including the Great Falls Visitor Center, Benefis Gift Shop, and singing with the Swinging Seniors. Marilu was very active in Masonic organizations serving as worthy Matron in Helen C. Roberts Chapter of Eastern Star in 1962 and Queen of Sapphira Temple, Daughters of the Nile in 1986. Music was an integral part of Marilu’s life. She played the bassoon in high school and college, with the Sacramento Philharmonic, Great Falls Symphony Orchestra, and for many years the annual presentation of the Messiah. She had a lovely alto voice, singing in church choirs all her life. She and her husband John enjoyed singing together as a duet. People enjoyed Marilu’s wry humor and creative use of expressions. We are sure there is now a little more laughter in heaven. She married John A. Dougherty July 25, 1948, in Great Falls where they spent their married life and raised their family. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; son, John W.; and daughter, Susan. Memorials may be given to Sunrise Presbyterian Church, Helen C. Roberts Chapter or Sapphira Temple.