Marilyn Lee Thorson Eisenbarth Burris

Marilyn Lee Thorson Eisenbarth Burris, 91, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, left this earth peacefully on April 1, 2023 in Grangeville, Idaho.

 Marilyn was born to Lee and Emma Cronwall Thorson on Dec 23, 1931 in Weiser, Idaho. She was joined by twin sisters. 

 She had a warm heart, welcoming smile, and a zest for life that endeared her to many.

 One of her fondest memories of high school was marching twice in the Rose Bowl parade.

 At the age of 15 she sustained serious injuries on Nov. 14, 1947 when hit by a car, which broke both of her legs and placed her in a coma. Miraculously, she awoke 40 days later and spoke her first word on her 16th birthday. Her progress was reported in the newspaper on a regular basis, and the entire community rejoiced over her recovery.

 She married Dwayne N. Eisenbarth on Jan, 6, 1950. The young couple lived mainly in Weiser and were blessed by five children. 

 In September of 1962 they moved the family to Spokane, Wash. On Sept. 13, 1964 at Post Falls, Idaho, Dwayne was killed in a tragic auto accident, which left Marilyn a single mother of five. 

 The family moved back to Weiser where Marilyn worked hard to provide for her kids with the support and help of her parents and in-laws, Fred and Christina Eisenbarth.

 On May 31, 1969, she married Donald L. Burris at Weiser, Idaho. Don brought three more children into the family. They lived at Ft. Lewis, Wash. and Grangeville, Idaho.

 In additional to raising her family, Marilyn was active in the Women’s Auxiliary of the VFW, American Legion, and Lady Elks.

 After retirement, Don and Marilyn became Snowbirds for over 31 years at Lake Havasu and Yuma, Ariz., where they met and kept many lifelong friends.

 They also enjoyed many adventures, cruises, and trips around the U.S. and the world, including Alaska, the Caribbean, Italy, Russia, Sweden, England, New Zealand, Mexico, and Canada. Riding camels in Australia and China were two of Marilyn’s favorite memories.

 Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, twin sisters, Jackie Harrigfeld and Jerrie Edwards, step-son, John Burris, and grandson, Russell Jon Nida.

 She is survived by her husband of 53 years; her children: Linda (Lynn) Barrows, Nampa, Idaho; Larry (Kathy) Eisenbarth,  Blackfoot, Idaho; Christy (Bob) Fischer, Twin Falls, Idaho;  Greg (Kathy) Eisenbarth, Hillsboro, Ore.; Ted Eisenbarth, Twin Falls, Idaho.

 Don’s children: Helen Nida, Clarkston, Wash.; and Dawn (James) Zbytovsky, Unity, Saskatchewan, Canada; plus 12 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

 Marilyn will be laid to rest at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise, Idaho. A private Celebration of Life will be held on

Mother’s Day in Payette, Idaho.

 We will deeply miss her happy, indomitable, and unassuming spirit. She will forever be in our hearts.

 The family desires to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the various staff and employees of Grangeville Health and Rehab for your loving care for our beloved Mom and Wife.

 Marilyn loved children. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Treasure Valley. Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 876, Ontario, Ore., 97914. Or online at www.bgcwtv.org. Please designate Weiser and in honor of Marilyn Burris.