Marilyn Yvonne Buirley

Marilyn Rutledge Buirley, age 94, passed away, surrounded by family, April 26, 2026, at Logan Regional Hospital in Logan, Utah. She was born February 28, 1932, in Ohio City, Ohio, the only child of John M. and Maxine (Cowan) Rutledge.

Marilyn attended elementary school at the Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphans’ Home in Xenia, Ohio, where her father was the band director as well as through Marilyn’s high school years in Franklin and Middletown, Ohio. She was head cheerleader, sang in the choir, played piano and was first clarinet in Franklin’s High School Band. “I played clarinet in the band, but I mostly played by ear. My teacher said, ‘Deep down I think you really want to play that thing.’ " She loved the big band music of her parent’s era, from Gershwin to crooners like Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis and Frank.

Marilyn spoke proudly of “Daddy,” a colonel in the USMC who re-enlisted during the War. With her father at war, she and Mother lived above and ran “Prof’s Big Dipper,” the restaurant they owned, in Franklin. She recounted Mother telling Daddy they needed to raise the price of burgers as things got expensive. Her father said, “Even if it’s nothing but a grease slick on a bun, you’re not to raise the prices.”

Agile and athletic, a water-loving Pisces, Marilyn was a diver with the Trojan Pool Swimming Team in Troy, Ohio. She never left a meet without a trophy. She said diving felt like flying. Even in her 80’s, walking along an Idaho lake, suddenly, effortlessly and fully clothed, she sprung off the dock, diving headfirst into the cold, deep water, much to the shock of her family. A child behind her exclaimed, “What a cool Grandma!”

She worked retail, selling lingerie and later as a receptionist at Waco aircraft. Then, Marilyn met Tom Buirley, studious, smart, and who “looked like William Holden.” They married in 1954 and together raised four children. Tom’s work swept the family up from the Midwest to Michigan and Illinois, then West to California, Colorado and finally Utah.

Marilyn thoroughly supported her children and grandchildren in their various endeavors, from home theater performances to dance, soccer, swimming, showing horses, rugby games, wrestling matches, ultimate frisbee tournaments, and more. She made her famous caramels for the grandkids’ Junior Jazz team. Tom and Marilyn helped raise their grandkids, Brock and Konner, emphasizing reading and golf swings.

Cache Valley, shrouded in fog the winter they arrived, became Tom and Marilyn’s final home in 1974. They took up skiing at Beaver Mountain, escaping the grey valley into bright alpine skies. Marilyn rode down the hill in a toboggan a couple times from accidents, and she won first place in her age group at the Coca-Cola Ski Races. Visits from Tom’s siblings and their families were highlights, involving skiing, golf or tennis with nightly poker games, storytelling and a lot of laughter.

Marilyn loved animals and nature. Horses pounding down a track, deer, pheasants, and birds in her yard, the moon rising over the mountains all delighted her. Marilyn cared for many family pets and a few stray cats and dogs, some of which became family members. She said the most interesting pets were orphaned baby raccoons, adopted by the family golden retriever, which she and her sons bottle fed.

In her later years, she took many Yellowstone trips with her daughter, Elizabeth. A grizzly bear and her cub, magnificent and shining in the car headlights, a bison herd, crossing the Lamar River, dripping wet, snorting, stomping by within inches of their car, one looking right into Marilyn’s open window, thrilled them. She and Elizabeth saw their first wolves and met Rick McIntyre, wolf guru, of Yellowstone. Marilyn took action to protect animals, calling politicians on behalf of wolves, and donating to safeguard elephants.

Her vibrant personality made her the center of family events, from a kayak excursion in Monterey Bay, surrounded by seals and otters during the great white migration, to air shows in her 80’s, in 90 plus degree heat. She insisted on staying until the Thunderbirds gave their final salute upon landing. Once, returning to the parking lot, her back gave out, and she had to be driven out by the MPs, which she enjoyed as part of the adventure.

She loved the Ohio State University Marching Band, “The Best Damn Band in the Land.” Her son-in-law, Greg, planned a trip to the Fiesta Bowl, so she could see them perform. Greg’s brother, Paul, found out where the band was practicing, and Marilyn got to see them practice and later march in the Fiesta Bowl Parade.

Marilyn will be remembered for her love and care of the family, her feistiness, and the way she always had an entertaining story to tell. We’ll still hear the echoes of Marilyn calling out “O-H!” in a crowd, and someone answering “I-O!” Marilyn’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her, but she will never be forgotten.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, John and Maxine Rutledge, and her husband of 61 years, Thomas William Buirley. Marilyn is survived by her children, John Buirley (Pam), Nibley, Steve Buirley (Diane), North Logan, Elizabeth Buirley (Greg), Salt Lake City, and Amy Sipos (Mike), Mink Creek, Idaho; grandchildren, Chandi Leishman, Brock Buirley (Emma), Konner Buirley, Jared Nel (Katie), Lauren Scharbach (Jason), Ryan, Craig and Gavin Buirley and three great grandchildren.

We are sincerely grateful to Candace Berthrong, the Petersen family and several amazing neighbors for their care and support of Marilyn. Candace, your daily check-ins and your shared passion for the deer and birds was a true bond. John and Janene Petersen, Marilyn adored you and your family, and your friendship was a gift. The family would also like to thank the crew of Primrose Hospice for their care over the past year.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place, and the family will hold a private ceremony to honor and celebrate Marilyn's life. Your expressions of sympathy are enough, but for those who wish to make a memorial contribution in memory of Marilyn, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her name to Cache Humane Society .