What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose. For all that we love deeply becomes a part of us. -Helen Keller

Marilyn Burke, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on February 10th, 2026, after a long, blessed life. She was born on September 23, 1934, in Homedale, Idaho, to parents Walt and Mildretta Adams. She lived and grew up in Homedale, where she attended school. She had wonderful memories of her childhood and all the many friends she made through the years. She loved playing basketball in high school and was quite the basketball star of Homedale, often the high scorer of the game. She was also very musical, with a talent to sing and play the piano. There are many memories of her singing and playing for friends and family.

After high school, she lived in Boise and Denver for a time with friends, enjoying the "single life" and once again making great memories. In the summer of 1957, on a trip to Silver City, Idaho, she met the greatest joy and love of her life, Jack Burke. They were soon married and started their life in San Francisco before finally moving back to Idaho to raise their family of four kids. Jack and Marilyn shared so many good times together and a love of Owyhee County. She loved her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids and was so proud of all of them and all that they accomplished as adults. She said that you know you did things right if you raise good people, and she sure did.

Marilyn passed a day after her 68th wedding anniversary. In her words, "Having these many years together with my husband, Jack, and sharing the love and joy of watching our 8 grandchildren grow makes me even prouder. God bless them all and the future generations yet to come. May the true blessings of love continue in their lives."

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walt and Mildretta Adams; sisters Alene Downing and Pat Davis; and several other family members and beloved friends.

We will miss her laughs, hugs, and great sense of humor. She leaves behind her husband of 68 years, John "Jack" Burke; children: Janie Burke, Holly Romans, Mary Burke, and John Burke (Sherry); grandchildren: Patrick Burke, Katie Self, Sean Burke, Burke Romans, Samuel Romans, Dani Romans, Randi Romans, and Brian Skow; great-grandchildren: Ireland, Violet, Kennedy, Kellen, Jack, and Wrenly; and several nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

In lieu of flowers, Marilyn would like donations to be made to the Owyhee County Historical Society.