Marilyn Bernice Dearixon

Long time Corbett-Springdale area resident Marilyn Bernice Dearixon went home to be with her Lord on June 24, 2024.

Marilyn was born in Corning, Iowa on April 19, 1937 to Fred and Hilda Hanks. The Hanks family subsequently moved to Springdale so Fred could work in the Portland shipyards. Marilyn attended Springdale and Corbett schools and graduated from Corbett High School in 1955.

In 1956, she married Clarence Dearixon also of Corbett. Clarence was in the U.S. Air Force and they lived in a few different locations in the United States. In 1967 while stationed in Wichita, Kansas, Clarence received an active duty assignment with the Oregon Air National Guard in Portland and they both returned to their roots in Corbett with their baby boy Philip.

Marilyn attended Springdale Bible Chapel starting as a young girl. She was very active in the church teaching Sunday school, arranging flowers every Sunday, and helping to clean and maintain the church building.

After Clarence passed away in 1981, Marilyn went back to work full time, ultimately retiring from AAA of Oregon’s insurance department.

Marilyn went on numerous cruises with her sister and brother-in-law and attended two Olympic Games after she retired. She enjoyed gardening and taking care of her lawn and flowerbeds at the home, she lived in for more than 55 years. Marilyn volunteered her time at the Vista House as well. Mostly she enjoyed being with friends and family. She especially enjoyed spending time with her granddaughters. In her later years, most days she could be found playing Farkle with her sisters, Joyce and Nancy.

She is survived by her sisters, Eileen Wainwright of Wasco, Joyce VanSpeybrock of Corbett, and Nancy Nicks of Portland; son, Phil and his wife, Holly Elvins-Dearixon of Corbett; and granddaughters, Alicia Dearixon of Vancouver and Clare Dearixon of Portland.

Marilyn’s wishes were to be buried with her husband Clarence at Willamette National Cemetery. A private ceremony will be held there on July 1, 2024, and will be officiated by Pastor Mike Fast.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Corbett Community Church, 34309 NE Mershon Road, Corbett, Oregon 97019.

Donations can be made in her honor to Union Gospel Mission and/or Eagle Fern Camp.