Marilyn Mccracken

Marilyn McCracken passed away December 21, 2022, in Great Falls. Marilyn was born August 28, 1935, in Havre, to Frank and Agnes Magda. Marilyn grew up on the family farm, south of Chinook on Lone Tree Bench. She went to the Ursuline Academy her freshman year of high school. Her sophomore through senior years, she attended Chinook High School. Because of her stunning beauty as a young woman, Marilyn was affectionately referred to as Ms. Montana by her family and friends.

Upon graduation, she went to Northern Montana College in Havre, where she met the love of her life, Darrel McCracken. They were married September 15, 1956, in Chinook. They lived in Havre, Rudyard, Kremlin, Turner, and Box Elder, before settling in Chinook to raise their family. During this time, they also farmed for many years, on Lone Tree Bench.

They moved to Great Falls in 1996. Marilyn began growing beautiful flowers around their home, and within a short period of time, there were more flowers than lawn. Strangers would often stop and compliment her on her beautiful gardens. Her flower garden was featured many times in the Great Falls Garden Walk. In June of 2012, she was featured in an article in the Great Falls Tribune, titled “The Queen of Color.”

In addition to gardening, the McCrackens enjoyed traveling extensively around the US and Europe.

Marilyn is survived by daughters, Darilyn (Tom) Shaver of Auburndale, FL, Brenda McCracken of Las Vegas, NV, and Caleen (Greg) Tacke of Great Falls; son, Brett McCracken of Las Vegas, NV; five grandchildren, Christopher Shaver, Brianna (Joe) Marion, Heather Shaver, Julia Tacke, and Jacob Tacke; sister, Barbara Ophus of Big Sandy; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Darrel.

Marilyn was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be greatly missed by all.

A celebration of life will be held next spring.