Marion Louise Althoff

Marion Louise Althoff, 74, died October 25, 2008 in Cody, WY. She was born to John Muller and Hazel Worden on August 12, 1934 in Belfry, MT. She was the third of twelve children. Marion spent her life in the Big Horn Basin. She attended schools in Cody.
She married the love of her life, Glen A. Althoff of Powell, on December 2. 1957 in Billings, MT. Together they raised their three children in Powell. She spent many years working on their farm and at the Powell Nursing Home. In 1978, she and youngest daughter, Tammy, attended floral design school in Portland, OR where she learned the skills of a trade she loved.
Marion worked as a floral designer at 4 Seasons Floral in Powell and KenMar Floral in Cody. In 1988, she and Glen opened Merry Glen Evergreens and Floral. Some of her best years were spent designing in her very own flower shop. She could grow anything and make even the frailest of plants flourish. The coffee was always on at the shop, and she enjoyed all the company who stopped by to visit.
Marion truly had a green thumb, always having a large garden producing enough goods to last the winter. She canned much of what she grew and there was always plenty to give away to friends and family. She loved to thank people by giving them a sack full of fresh vegetables.
Marion enjoyed quilting, crocheting and playing cards. In her earlier years, she loved palying softball and hunting. She often recalled the time she chased down a large moose and got lost in the process.
Long drives up the North Fork and family picnics made her happy. Marion loved camping and fishing especially with her grandchildren. Camp cooking was a specialty of hers and there was always plenty to go around. Time spent in the mountains playing cribbage and pinochle was always a treat for her.
Marion loved to entertain. Holiday dinners always pleased a large crowd of family and friends. She enjoyed hosting deck and garage parties with enough food for the whole town and sometimes with live music courtesy of the Old Time Fiddlers. She looked forward to hosting the class of 1948 reunion breakfasts.
Marion was happiest in the kitchen, cooking and baking. Anyone stopping by was greeted with a smile and a "Are you hungry?' She volunteered her excellent culinary skills to the Eagles Lodge, cooking Wednesday night family dinners one or two months out of the year. She and sister Evelyn baked homemade pies for the Eagles' Park County Fair booth for many years.
Marion was also very active in the O'Donnell club, always involved in the cooking and planning of events. She enjoyed watching old spaghetti western movies and listening to country western music.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 51 years, Glen Althoff of Powell, son Fred "Joe" (Sharon) Althoff of Farmington, NM and daughters Deb (John) VanValin of Powell and Tammy (David) Karmann of Hernando, MS. Surviving sisters are Evelyn (Don) Hicks of Cody, Merle (Dale) Holtheuse of Billings, MT and Judy Daugherty of Idaho. Surviving brothers are Clifton (Eddie) Muller of Kirby, WY, Jack and Leonard Muller both of Deaver, Dale (Janice) Muller of Ekalaka, MT and Gary Muller of WY. Survivors include 6 grandchildren, 7 great grand children and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Lillian Humes, Peggy Pace, June Niesses and granddaughter Kalcie Karmann.
Memorial services celebrating her life were held Wednesday Oct 29, 2008 at the Eagles Lodge in Powell. Honorary pall bearers were her grandchildren, JoAmy Hodges, Nicole Notestine, Andy Althoff, Corey Karmann, Travis Dusenberry and Amanda Jeide. Cremation has taken place. Thompson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.