Marlis J. Williamson

Marlis Williamson, 75, formerly of Livingston, Montana passed away peacefully at her home in Billings after a short battle with ALS. Marlis was born on June 28, 1946, to Howard and Katherine Zentner in White Earth, Minnesota. Marlis was the second oldest of nine children. Her early years were spent in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, and Buffalo, Wyoming. While living in Buffalo her family lived in a small cabin, and whenever Marlis would return she would always drive by the "cabin" and share stories about her childhood.In 1971, Marlis married John (Bob) Schoolcraft in Buffalo, Wyoming. During their marriage, they welcomed two children John and Debbie Lynn. They later relocated to Livingston where they raised their children and Marlis cared for Bob until his passing in 1986. In 1996 Marlis married Irvin Williamson and they were dedicated to each other for 25 years.Marlis had spent her life providing in-home care for the elderly and disabled. When her dad was diagnosed with cancer, Marlis with the support of Irvin, moved in with her parents to provide care and support for them. After her dad passed Marlis remained at her parents' home and cared for her mom until her passing. Marlis continued to look out for her family. Shortly after her mom's passing, she moved her disabled sister in to live with her, until she could no longer care for her.After some health concerns in 2020, Marlis and Irvin moved to Billings to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law. Irvin and Marlis' roles were reversed, and Irvin became Marlis' caregiver. Irvin would faithfully cook breakfast every morning for Marlis, and was patient when she wrote him a note that she wanted "bigger eggs."In 2005, Marlis' grandson, Shay, was born. He was a source of pride and bragging rights. Everyone from friends and family to strangers knew about his many accomplishments. Marlis would attend all of Shay's sporting events, and after each game, she would always yell, "Grandma loves you, Shay!" Fortunately, after moving to Billings, Marlis was able to stream Shay's soccer games on her phone. She would faithfully watch each game and would get excited when she would hear John cheering. While in Billings Marlis' health improved, and she enjoyed walking around her apartment building's courtyard visiting with neighbors. Marlis also enjoyed shopping! One day she snuck away and walked several blocks to the store and returned with several containers of caramel corn and cheese puffs! How she carried all of this on her walker is still a mystery!Marlis had a kind and generous spirit. She was always a dedicated protector of her family, especially her children, and grandson. She is survived by her husband Irvin Williamson; her son John (Michele) Schoolcraft; her daughter Debbie Lynn (Kyle) Schoolcraft-Ebert grandson Shay Schoolcraft; her brother Donnie (Debra) Williams; her sisters Roberta Cortez, Leona (Don) Pehringer, Sharon (David) Rigsby, and Debbie Williams; and numerous nieces and nephews. Marlis was preceded in death by her parents Howard Zentner, Katherine and Gordon Williams, her brothers James "Jimmy" Williams, Kenneth Zentner, and Howard "Jim" Zentner.A Memorial gathering in celebration of Marlis' life will be held on Friday, December 3, 2021, at the Livingston Bible Church, 29 N 5th St, beginning at 12:30 P.M.Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.