Marilyn Ruth Smith-Irwin

Marilyn Ruth Smith-Irwin (Nee Schalk), 89, passed away July 16, 2026. 

She was born Dec. 8,1936 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the eighth of nine children to Harry A. Schalk and Veronica Udry Schalk.

Marilyn married Joe V. Smith in Cincinnati in 1958. They loved to travel and did so every chance they had. She worked as a bookkeeper/accountant until Joe took up truck driving. She traveled with him and eventually they settled in Libby, Montana in 1971. She worked in the logging office for St. Regis/Champion until Joe died in 1976. 

At that time, she transferred into the plywood plant where she spent the next 20 years. In 1982, Marilyn married Larry Ferda. They divorced in 1989. Then in 2001, she married Jim Irwin.

Marilyn loved gardening and dancing. She was a very creative person, trying her hand at painting, quilting or any craft that caught her eye. She spent years at the Montana Athletic Club enjoying exercise and her many friends. Marilyn retired from Stimson Lumber Co. in 1997.

Marilyn is survived by stepsons Scott (Jodi) Irwin, Dayton, Ohio and Kevin (Gina) Irwin, Fox Island, Washington; step grandchildren Dustin, Amy and Sarah; and a large number of family in Cincinnati.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Joe and Jim; and siblings Dorothy Weingart, Kathryn Whitaker, Gertrude Dorrman, Margie Wunder, Eileen Pelzel, Joyce Martin, Harry (Bud) Schalk and Larry Schalk.

Cremation and burial have taken place. There will be no funeral service as per her wishes. 

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg and Riddle Funeral Home of Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.