Marilyn R. Plott

Marilyn Anne (Ruhter) Plott

November 19, 1939 – July 19, 2026

Marilyn Ruhter Plott, 86, of Bellevue, Idaho, entered into the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 19, 2026. While her family grieves her absence, they rejoice knowing she spent her life pointing others to Christ and now hears the words she longed for: "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Marilyn was born on November 19, 1939, in Stockton, California, to Marvin and Sylvia Ruhter. She spent her childhood in Filer, Idaho, where she developed a love for learning and personal growth that lasted her entire life. She graduated from Filer High School and later attended Idaho State University. Although they first met at Curry Country School (Filer) in the third grade, it was while attending ISU that she started dating and fell for the love of her life, Larry Plott.

Larry joked that Marilyn agreed to marry him "if he'd behave," but beneath the humor is a beautiful love story that lasted more than sixty-seven years. They married on March 1, 1959, and built a marriage centered on faith, adventure, laughter, and serving others.

Marilyn was first and foremost a devoted wife and mother. She poured her life into raising her four children; Angie, Tony, Stacey, and Marty; creating a home that became the gathering place for neighborhood children and friends. Music filled their home. Marilyn played the piano beautifully, taught her children to sing, and encouraged each of them to develop the talents God had given them. Inspired by The Sound of Music, she believed children should not simply enjoy music, they should share it. The Plott family became a well-known family band, performing at church, community events, rodeos, and competitions. Her encouragement helped cultivate musical gifts that continue into the next generation.

She balanced a playful spirit with loving discipline. Her children remember a mother who chased them through the house, laughed often, made learning exciting, and turned everyday moments into unforgettable adventures. She had no favorites, each child received individual attention and love. Nightly she would read Bible stories to them, leaving an imprint of faith that has shaped all of their lives.

Marilyn possessed an endless curiosity. Her interests were wide and varied, including politics, art. nutrition, fashion, history, music, and literature. She loved reading about the experiences of Christian leaders such as Catherine Marshall, Corrie Ten Boom, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Brother Andrew, and Richard Wurmbrand. She sought healthier ways to care for her family. They fondly remember her homemade "Rocket Fuel" health drink; a concoction her athletic sons may not have appreciated at the time, but one lovingly created because she wanted the absolute best for them.

Athletic throughout her life, Marilyn loved walking, running, cycling, swimming, clogging, and hiking. Together with Larry, she summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa and eventually fulfilled one of her greatest dreams by hiking the entire 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, spending over 5 months on the trail. Her most recent goal was to climb the highest peak of every US state, and she successfully summited 28 of them, including Mt Whitney, Boundary Pk, Sunflower Pk, Humphreys Pk, Guadalupe Pk and Mt Borah. Marilyn viewed every mountain and valley as another opportunity to marvel at God's handiwork.

Marilyn served faithfully in several professional roles. She worked as a nutritionist, writer, and a legislative assistant for the Idaho House of Representatives, where her warmth and genuine interest in people made her unforgettable. Friends often remarked that Marilyn never met a stranger. When speaking with anyone, be it a legislator, a grocery clerk, or someone she had just met, she made every person feel valued.

Her greatest passion, however, was serving Christ.

Marilyn's faith was not merely something she believed, it was something she actively lived day to day. She participated in and taught countless Bible studies and was a marriage class instructor with Larry at the Idaho Police Academy for 25 years. And for those individuals with a pressing need, she always had time to listen and provide counseling.

She carried the Gospel far beyond Idaho. Marilyn served on mission trips to The Bahamas, Ethiopia, Poland, Bosnia, Montenegro, and Macedonia. She distributed Bibles, ministered to local communities, supported medical outreaches, and encouraged believers around the world. She and Larry served with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team to assist people affected by hurricanes and other natural disasters.

Before meeting Marilyn, Larry did not know the Lord personally. Through her gentle persistence and example, she became the instrument God used to bring him to faith. Together, they built a marriage devoted to following wherever God led.

Those who knew Marilyn remember her radiant smile, contagious laughter, boundless energy, and sincere love for people. She possessed an extraordinary ability to listen. Conversations with Marilyn left people feeling understood and loved because she genuinely cared about them. She easily remembered their names, life details, struggles and victories, ensuring that everyone she encountered felt important.

She is survived by her devoted husband of sixty-seven years, Larry Plott; her children, Angie Plott, Tony (Shelby) Plott, and Stacey (Kathryn) David; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; three siblings; and many extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Sylvia Ruhter; her beloved son Marty (Julie) Plott; and her siblings Allan, Sharon, Pam, and Noel.

Marilyn's life can best be summed up in the way she lived every day, with unwavering faith, joyful enthusiasm, genuine compassion, and an unshakable desire to help others know Jesus. Her influence will continue for generations through her family, the countless lives she touched, and the legacy of faith she leaves behind.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at The Life Church in Hailey, Idaho. Followed by a graveside service at Clover Cemetery at 4pm, south of Buhl, ID.

Floral arrangements can be sent to The Life Church or in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (giving.billygraham.org/rapid-response-team) or Friends of Zion (givefoz.org) or Jewish Voice (jewishvoice.org/donate)

Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the promise of Christ and looks forward to the glorious reunion that awaits all who place their trust in Him.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7