Marilyn Katherine Patnode, age 89, of Clearwater FL, passed away on November 29th, 2023 at Morton Plant Hospital following a 5-day sudden illness. Marilyn was born on January 9th, 1934 to her loving parents Matthew Heilman and Sena Thalheimer in Wapato, WA. She met her husband of 65 years, Merlin Joseph Patnode, in her hometown, and they were married on October 14th, 1953 in Yakima County. She was a loving mother and housewife. Raising kids and grandkids was her pride and joy, but she also enjoyed reading books, listening to country music, relaxing in her rocking chair, and having a nice glass of wine from time to time. Her and her husband moved from Washington State to various military bases until they ended up in Alamogordo, New Mexico for over 30 years. After that, they moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico for a couple of years before she moved to Florida in 2012. Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband Merlin J. Patnode, her son, Bryan M. Patnode, and one of her beloved grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Pamela A. Bollinger, Merlin M. Patnode, Ronald P. Patnode, and Daren P. Patnode, as well as 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Marilyn was known for being always positive, hopeful, and easy-going. She gave others the confidence to succeed and helped everyone in any way she could. She was protective and consoling and will always be remembered as a kind, warm, loving, generous, and selfless, mother and grandmother.
