Marilyn (Scott) Freimark, 89, passed away peacefully in the late hours of April 4, 2026.

Born on October 15, 1936, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Marilyn was a country girl at heart from the very beginning. Her love of horses started early and remained a constant throughout her life, shaping not only her path but the lives of generations that followed.

In 1955, Marilyn made history as the first Miss Rodeo America, representing Wyoming on a national stage and helping define what the role would become for decades to come. She excelled in horsemanship, personality, and appearance, winning all three divisions of the inaugural competition in Casper, Wyoming. Her time as Miss Rodeo America took her across the country, where she proudly represented the sport she loved and built lifelong connections.

Marilyn graduated from Cheyenne High School and attended Colorado State University, where she studied business and mass communications. A natural athlete, she embraced a wide range of activities including riding, polo, swimming, tennis, and marksmanship, and was also a very talented ice skater. In 1954, she competed in the Miss Universe Pageant, reflecting her poise, confidence, and competitive spirit.

She later married Paul Painter, and together they built a life near Buffalo, South Dakota, where they raised four children. The family was deeply rooted in ranching and rodeo, a lifestyle Marilyn carried with pride.

Later in life, Marilyn made her home in Spearfish, South Dakota, where she eventually met Dr. Lyle Freimark of Rapid City. They were married in 1985 and shared many years of travel, partnership, and adventure together.

Marilyn’s impact on the rodeo community extended far beyond her title. She was honored with induction into both the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame and the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, recognizing her lasting contributions to western heritage and the sport of rodeo.

She remained closely connected to the rodeo community throughout her life, mentoring young rodeo queens, speaking at clinics, and supporting her children and grandchildren in their pursuits. Known to many simply as “Grandma M,” she extended that role far beyond her own family. She rarely missed an event, traveling countless miles to cheer on her children and grandchildren in rodeo, basketball, wrestling, volleyball, football, and more.

Outside of rodeo, Marilyn found joy in the simple things. She loved flowers, birds, and gardening, and created spaces that reflected her appreciation for beauty and nature.

Marilyn was deeply devoted to her faith, which guided her life and shaped the way she cared for others. She believed strongly in education, independence, and living with purpose, encouraging her children and grandchildren to pursue their goals and take care of themselves in any situation.

She was preceded in death by her parents, M.L. and Mabel Scott, and her husband, Dr. Lyle Freimark.

Marilyn is survived by her four children, Laurie Mae Goehring, Cindy Lou Mankin, Joe Scott Painter, and Judy Ann Melvin, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward her love of family, horses, and the western way of life.

Marilyn often said she had been blessed in life, with two wonderful husbands, four great children, and a family deeply connected to one another. Her legacy lives on not only in rodeo history, but in the generations she inspired, the lives she supported, and the love she gave so freely to all who knew her.

Marilyn’s life will be celebrated 1pm Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche. There will be no visitation. Inurnment will take place later this summer in the Ladner Cemetery. Friends may leave written condolences and view a video tribute online at: www.LeveringtonFH.com