Marilyn Louise Cross Bischoff

Marilyn Louise Cross Bischoff passed peacefully on February 27, 2026. Marilyn was born on May 26, 1946, in Baltimore, Maryland. She grew up in Towson, Maryland and graduated from Towson Catholic High School.

She attended Drexel University in Philadelphia, where she met Charles “Charlie” Shinn, whom she married. The couple moved to California, where Marilyn worked as a junior high school teacher. In 1979, they relocated to Boise, where Marilyn began a long and fulfilling career as a 4-H extension agent for Ada county and home economist with the Department of Agriculture. She later received her Master’s degree and taught personal finance with the University of Idaho.

Marilyn devoted 31 years to her work before retiring in 2001.

Marilyn and Charlie separated in 1986 and divorced in 1988. In 1990, she met John Bischoff, and the two were married in April 1995. John preceded her in death. Marilyn then spent many years sharing her life with Bob Paris.

Marilyn loved spending time outdoors and especially enjoyed hiking and camping. She traveled widely throughout the United States and, in later years, enjoyed international travel with friends and family. She was also an avid quilter and loved attending quilting conventions across the country, where she shared her passion for creativity and craftsmanship with others.

In her later years, Marilyn made her home at the Terraces of Boise, where she was very active on multiple committees and she enjoyed retirement, travel, and time with friends and loved ones.

She is survived by her sister Jennifer C Graham (Kalispell, MT), half brother Roger Vilmont (Hastings, MI), niece Susan Harrington (McLean, VA) nephew Douglas Graham (Columbus, OH), and multiple great nieces and nephews. The family is very appreciative of the wonderful care given by Greenstaff Home Care, The Terraces, and St. Luke’s Hospice. A service will be held in early summer at The Terraces of Boise.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor, Garden City, Idaho. 208-853-3131