Marilyn Lorraine Espeland

Marilyn Lorraine (Sherman) Espeland passed away, Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the age of 89, just six months after her beloved husband of more than 70 years, Dennis Espeland. Marilyn was born on February 26, 1937, to Arthur and Laura Sherman in Billings, Montana, and raised in the Huntley Project area. She was the third child and eldest daughter of six.

Marilyn and Dennis raised four children: Dan (Sherry), Denny (Natalie), Darlene Falk (Royal), and Jeanne Johnson (Russ). Their large and growing family includes 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Marilyn attended Eastern Montana College in Billings, where she studied to become a nurse. She left school to marry Dennis on January 27, 1956, and they began their life together in Bridger, Montana. They moved frequently as Dennis pursued basketball coaching and school administration opportunities in Rosebud, Montana; Skykomish, Washington; Hysham, Montana; and White Sulphur Springs, Montana, before settling in Billings (Lockwood) in 1972.

Initially, Marilyn was a stay-at-home mother, raising their children and supporting Dennis's career in education. After their youngest child, Jeanne, started elementary school, Marilyn began her highly successful 30-year career in real estate sales. Dennis proudly (and frequently!) reminded everyone that she was once named Billings "Realtor of the Year"—a distinction he was never going to let anyone forget!

Marilyn was a devout member of her Catholic faith community at St. Patrick Co-Cathedral, a regular at the YMCA in Billings, and part of the YMCA Morning Glory Gals. She loved going to "her" cabin on the Boulder River, where she and Dennis spent time relaxing, visiting, and playing cards with their friends from Hysham. Later in retirement, Marilyn and Dennis, along with their siblings, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, enjoyed 20 years of sunshine, golf, swimming, excursions, and family gatherings while wintering in Arizona.

In 2023, Marilyn and Dennis moved to Highgate Independent Senior Living in Bozeman, where they participated in many activities and developed wonderful friendships with residents and staff. Marilyn quickly earned the well-deserved nickname "Sweet Marilyn." Those who knew her realized that she was indeed sweet, but she also had opinions, which she wasn't afraid to share.

Shortly after moving to Highgate, Marilyn was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. What followed was nearly three years of treatments, appointments, and challenges that she faced with the same determination she brought to everything else in life. Cancer may have slowed her down, but it certainly didn't change her opinions, her love of family, or her commitment to staying active.

Marilyn was adamant about maintaining her physical fitness and seemed determined to prove that 89 was just a number. Her family fondly remembers her countless health and anti-aging tips, her remarkably youthful appearance, and her ability to stay active well into her 80s. She was always happy to share her advice, whether anyone had actually asked for it or not! Evenings often included Marilyn doing her planks while praying Hail Mary's for family members—combining her two greatest priorities, faith and family, with a little core strengthening thrown in for good measure!

More than anything, Marilyn was happiest when surrounded by her family. She treasured the many large gatherings with extended family and friends, where there was always plenty of laughter, visiting, and making memories. Her family will remember her infectious laughter, her prayers, her willingness to stand firmly and vocally for what she believed in, and her appreciation for a good Happy Hour—especially if nachos and a light beer were involved. She had a special way of making everyone feel welcome, usually by calling them "honey."

Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband, Dennis; infant daughter, Jackie; and brothers, Dale and Tom Sherman. She is survived by her sisters, Kathleen Stevens and Laurie Duncan; brother, Patrick (Susie) Sherman; her four children; 10 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

After more than 70 years of marriage, Marilyn and Dennis are together again—perhaps already planning their next cribbage tournament.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, November 20, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Resurrection University Catholic Parish in Bozeman, with a reception immediately following.