- Date Of Birth: August 1, 1938
- Date Of Death: December 24, 2021
- State: Idaho
Marilyn Content (Hartley) McKay was born August 1, 1938 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, to E.B. and Velda Hartley, the middle of three daughters. She died at her home on December 24 after many years of physical challenges which she faced with courage and faith and the support of her husband and family. Marilyn spent her childhood in various parsonages in northeast Indiana as part of the Hartley ministry team and spent vacations and holidays with the large extended family from both sides who all lived in Indiana. In 1952, her family made a momentous ministry move to Moscow, Idaho, where Marilyn entered high school as a freshman. Music and drama became her entry points into this new and somewhat intimidating culture.
On June 2, 1961, Marilyn married the love of her life, Neil McKay, in Boise, Idaho. They began singing together at their wedding. Neil also sang to Marilyn, backed up by his quartet, the song “Always.” Through all the years of their marriage, he played on the piano in the evening for her the strains of “I’ll be loving you, Always”—right to the end. They lived in San Jose, then moved to Moscow for Law School at the University of Idaho where Marilyn helped to support them, then to Milwaukee, and finally to Spokane, Washington for many years.
Marilyn was an amazing sister.
Marilyn and Neil were blessed with two children – Todd McKay and Heather (McKay) Becker. Marilyn loved being a wife and mother and provided a warm and nurturing environment for their growing up and later for the grandchildren that they brought. There were games and cookie baking, and warm, intimate conversations one-on-one with each dear one. She could make each one feel as if they were the only person in her universe for that point in time. And she provided that same intense interest to other neighbors, friends, family and sisters as she reached out to support and encourage.
Above all, Marilyn was characterized by her vibrant faith in God. She read widely and deeply and pondered the mysteries. Christian music carried her through many days. Her deepest desire was that those she loved would have an abiding walk with God as she did.
Marilyn is survived by her husband, Neil McKay, of Nampa, a son, Todd McKay, of Phoenix, AZ, a daughter, Heather Becker (Kenny) of Nampa, grandchildren, Brendan McKay, Francesca McKay, Avana McKay of Phoenix, AZ., Kyler Becker (Brannon) of Arvada, CO, McKaylee Becker, Aubriana Becker, of Nampa, a sister, Sharon Mowry, of Nampa, and numerous nieces and nephews.
