Marilyn Ahles, 57

There is a major karaoke party going on in heaven tonight. Marilyn passed away peacefully after an amazingly courageous battle with cancer. At her side were her husband, Ron, the love of her life; her two sons, Graham and Jeremy; her daughter, Cheri; granddaughter Candace; her mother, Norma and sisters Terri and Coleen. Marilyn always talked about how much she cherished the prayers from so many friends and relatives. A special thank you to her dear friend Twyla who was by her side so many times over the past four years.

Marilyn was born in Northern Ontario, Canada, on May 9, 1953. Although she spent the last half of her life in Idaho, she was always a Canadian at heart. She loved sports, was very athletic and was well known in the community for recreational softball; notably as first baseman for the Late Bloomers and Coeur d'Alene Outfitters. Marilyn could also be found at the occasional slot machine in the casino, and her luck was envied by many.

Music was another very special part of Marilyn's life, from singing with her Dad when she was a little girl, to bonfires with her brother Dean on guitar, to karaoke at the Eagles club. She was so proud of both her sons, who are carrying on the musical tradition.

Marilyn, you will be missed so very much - by the people you worked with, your fellow softball team players, your pool league, your singing partners, your many friends and of course, by your family.

She is survived by husband Ron; sons Jeremy Pond and Graham Pond; daughter Cheri McCully and husband Gary; grandchildren Candace, Tyler, Travis, Ryan, Skylee, Sidney, Kyndra, Carly and Amanda; mother Norma Bulter; sisters Terri Stevenson and husband Cal, Coleen Anderson and husband Paul, and brother Dean and wife Cathie.

She is pre-deceased by her father, George Spence and sister Cindy Lou.

Marilyn requested not to have a memorial service. Rather, she would like you to remember her when she was in the best of health, singing at the top of her voice in karaoke, or making that impossible catch on first base.

In lieu of flowers, donations for medical expenses can be mailed to Marilyn's sister, Terri Stevenson, 4102 Nabal Drive, LaMesa, CA 91941. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.