Marilyn Morley Koenninger

Marilyn Morley Koenninger passed away peacefully at Bonaventure Salmon Creek senior living center in Vancouver on April 21, 2022, at the age of 87. Marilyn was born in Denver, CO, to Alma and Ralph Morley. At the age of 7 she moved to Vancouver, WA, with her parents and younger sister Carolyn.

As a young woman she was a homemaker and involved in The Alki Junior Women's Club while raising her family. She joined The Columbian newspaper and worked for many years in the Ad Service department. After retirement she again became involved with many community organizations volunteering her time and perspective. She served on the ESD 112 Board of Directors from 1988-2022 and as a representative to the SW Washington Child Care Planning Commission and the Habitek Consortium (Port of Vancouver) along with many other community groups. She was recognized and received the Clark County YMCA Woman of Achievement Award for her life of service. She had a true belief that individuals can make a difference in their communities and the lives of children and citizens alike.

In 1975 she married the love of her life Tom Koenninger. They led an active life and created many cherished family memories snow skiing, traveling, and spending precious time at the Oregon Coast. She loved hosting family celebrations and making her famous Christmas Eve clam chowder.

She had many friends throughout her life and most recently enjoyed the company of her Mahjong group. She was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Vancouver.

She is survived by her four children, Sue (Ken), Melinda (Mike), Rob (Dawn) and Kate (Jefferson); eight grandchildren, Sarah, Stephen (Michelle), Jeff (Cammie), Lauren (Kyle), Breanna, Ryan, TJ and Nex; and five-plus great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; her parents, Alma and Ralph; her sister, Carolyn; and her three Dalmatians, Lucy 1, Lucy 2 and Lucy 3.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at Bonaventure Salmon Creek for their kind and compassionate care of Marilyn.

A private family memorial service will be held in her honor with burial next to Tom at Sara Union Cemetery in Ridgefield, WA.

Memorial donations in Marilyn's name may be made to the following organizations:

SELF: Support for Early Learning & Families online at https://donate.selfwa.org or by mail with check made out to SELF 12214 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Suite 203, Vancouver, WA 98664. Please designate with memo on check or note that it is in memory of Marilyn Koenninger.

Or The Humane Society of Southwest Washington - online donations may be made at https://hssw.org/ donate selecting the red donate now button.

Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits