Marilyn Ortman

Marilyn Melissa Carson Ortman passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 91. Marilyn was born on March 31, 1933, in Elmore, Minnesota to Wilmer Eli "Kit" Carson and Mary Jane Rosenberger Carson.

The family moved to Albuquerque New Mexico in 1940, where Marilyn attended Albuquerque High and graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in education. Her first teaching job was in Seattle, Washington where she met and married Coast Guard dental technician Robert William "Bill" Ortman, Jr. in 1958. There they had one daughter, Linda Ortman Spensley. In 1960 they moved to West Covina and Azuza, California. In 1962 they moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where their son, Robert "Rob" William Ortman III was born. Bill Ortman worked for Marilyn's father at Carson and Ellis Automotive Electric and eventually became the co-owner.

Marilyn was an active member of Central United Methodist Church for more than 70 years where she sang in the choir and was involved in the Partnership Class. She was an elementary school teacher at Alameda, Sandoval (Corrales), Marie Hughes, and Alvarado Elementary Schools. She retired in 1993. Marilyn volunteered with The Storehouse, The Albuquerque Bio Park, and the New Mexico Natural History Museum. She was also active in The Albuquerque Civic Light Opera, Oasis, and Delta Kappa Gamma. Marilyn was an avid bridge player and loved to walk, hike, and spend time with her family. She spent the last five years of her life in Hospice care and enjoyed visits from each of her family every week.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Bill; her two children, Linda Spensley (Dave Spensley) and Rob Ortman (Kelly Brooks); and her three grandchildren, Lauren Valentin (Garrett Valentin), Kasen Ortman, and Kyle Ortman.

The family would especially like to thank the staff and caregivers of BeeHive Homes of Volcano Vista and the staff of Ambercare Hospice for their loving and devoted care of our mom.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Central United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Central United Methodist Church.