Marilyn Bagley, 87

COEUR d’ALENE — Marilyn Marshall Bagley of Coeur d’Alene passed away Jan. 1, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Spokane, Wash., Feb. 20, 1938.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ross. She is survived by her three children: Gay (Reza) Mansouri‑Rad of Las Cruces, N.M.; Marie (Larry) Hensley of Coeur d’Alene; and Bryan (Wendy) Bagley of Breckenridge, Colo., along with five grandchildren and two great‑granddaughters.

Marilyn was a graduate of Coeur d’Alene High School and North Idaho Junior College, later earning her degree in education from Idaho State University. She started her teaching career in Mackay, Idaho. Motivated in part by the world‑class fishing, the Bagley family moved to Riggins in 1969. In total, she dedicated 29 years to education, serving as a teacher, coach and athletic director at Salmon River High School in Riggins, Idaho.

While Marilyn had many remarkable accomplishments — winning state championships as a softball pitcher and three as a girls’ basketball coach; harvesting a 6X6-point bull elk in 2000; catching a King Salmon of more than 54 pounds in Alaska; compiling a record of 113 wins and 17 losses as a high school basketball coach; multiple statewide and lifetime coaching awards for both success and service to girls and women’s sports, and even a multiple-day float trip on the Snake River through Hells Canyon wilderness area in a dory with her husband, Ross, and her cat on a leash — these achievements tell only part of her story. Her greatest impact was on the countless young men and women whose lives she shaped as a teacher, coach and mentor. She nurtured their academic growth, strengthened their life skills and championed their confidence. Especially meaningful was her work to ensure that young girls and women expected — and received — equal treatment in both the pre‑ and post‑Title IX eras.  A demonstration of that commitment was her role co‑hosting the first high school girls’ basketball state tournament in 1975, when the Idaho High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) chose not to hold one.

In keeping with Marilyn’s wishes, there will be no formal service. She hoped you would honor her by doing what brought her joy — camping, boating, line dancing, hunting, fishing or helping student athletes thrive.

In lieu of flowers, Marilyn asks that you plant a tree or make a donation to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements provided by Yates Funeral Home. Online registry and condolences are available at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.