In loving memory of Marian Markley: 1940-2021

Marian Markley died peacefully at her home in Ridgefield, Washington on December 3, 2021 at the age of 81.

Marian was born on June 19, 1940 in Denver, Colorado to Miles and Winnifred Markley. She grew up in Denver before attending college at Iowa Wesleyan University, where she earned a degree in education. She taught elementary schools in a variety of locations including San Salvador, where she taught American students, and Las Vegas. Her home became Ridgefield, Washington in 1976, where she was a stay-at-home mother. She continued to use her teaching skills and became a “room mom” during her daughter’s early elementary school years. She eventually went back to teaching as a substitute at various Clark County schools. In her late 40s, Marian became interested in better health. She was an avid fitness enthusiast until the last year of her life. She enjoyed walking and personal training sessions where she could measure her progress and be rewarded with positive feedback. Marian was very fond of cats and there probably wasn’t much time in her life when she didn’t have one. Her beloved cat, Noelle, turned 18 and died just over a month before her.

Marian is survived by her daughter Valerie Dewitz and son-in-law John Dewitz of Ridgefield, Washington, as well as her brother John Markley of Colorado and half-sister Paula Garb of California.

Marian quickly made friends and was loved by many. She has been described as sweet, fun, classy, ​​elegant and sparkling.

A celebration of life will be planned and released at a later date due to COVID-19 concerns.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Hospice Care Program, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Northwest, 2701 NW Vaughn St., Ste 140, Portland, Oregon, 97210, or the Humane Society for Southwest Washington online at hssw can. org/give or mail to 1100 NE 192nd Ave., Vancouver, Washington, 98684.