Marilyn McClain, age 76, of Plano, TX

Marilyn Irene McClain passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a courageous 10-year battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. She was born on September 6, 1948, in Miles City, Montana to Donald and Virginia Babcock. Marilyn’s early years were spent growing up in Miles City with her little brother, Donnie, who was her best friend and with her cat (Tiny, dog (Tippy) and her ponies, (Mike and Pat). A move to Huntley, Montana would be where she spent her young adult life. She enjoyed being a majorette, secretary of her senior class and she was a homecoming candidate in her sophomore and senior year. She did her schooling at Huntley Project graduating in 1967, and this is where she met the love of her life David McClain. They were married on June 17, 1967. Shortly thereafter, moved to Abilene, Texas as David was stationed there. In 1969, daughter Amy was born. Upon Dave’s return from Vietnam, Marilyn and Dave moved home to Billings, Montana. Daughter Marcy was born in 1972. In 1973, Marilyn and Dave and their new family moved to Helena. In the early years of the girls growing up, Marilyn cared for 22 Foster babies, was a Big Sister to teenage pregnant women and raised her girls. Marilyn later helped David run the family store in East Helena, the OK Hardware Store. Marilyn and Dave had the store until 1989.  Marilyn then went on to be receptionist for Kirk Stetson DDS. After that Marilyn took a job as a Billing Coding Clerk for Internal Medicine Associates in Helena. In her personal life, Marilyn was often in the car driving the state to watch the girls play basketball. She enjoyed babysitting and caring for her cousins, nieces, and nephews. Marilyn was also known for her cooking, baking, and the joy she bought at the kitchen table each night for the family. Marilyn and David enjoyed scenic drives and camping in and around the Helena area. Her grandchildren were a source of immense joy, and she loved occasions when she had everyone together. Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David McClain; parents, Donald and Virginia Babcock and infant twin grandsons Michael and Dwight Ahles. Marilyn is survived by brother Donnie (Donna), Daughter Amy (Ryan), Daughter Marcy, former son in law Tom Ahles, five grandchildren: Dillon (Courtney), Dalton (Mariah), Nathan Delaney, Taylor and Grant Ahles and great granddaughters Madison, Brynlee, and Sadie Delaney.

A service for Marilyn will take place October 17, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home at 3750 N Montana Avenue, Helena, MT 59602. Following the service, a reception will be held at the funeral home. Condolences can be shared at www.aswfuneralhome.com.

Service Schedule

Celebration of Her Life

1:00pm

Friday October 17, 2025

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Reception

Following the Memorial Service

Friday October 17, 2025

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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