Translation of Spanish language letter by Victor Rodriguez as requested by Harold.

We send our heartfelt love to you,
Thank you for letting us know about Marilyn's passing.  We have been praying to God for her though the years in which she has been ill.  Through her love she has been a mother and grandmother to me and my family. Our dear Harold has likewise been loved by our family.
  
How can one forget the faithful years of service to our Lord at Rancho Betania in Mexico?  I have memories like footprints across my heart of your time at Rancho Betania.  

How can one forget the Christophers?  We remember as winter arrived at the camp it was the Christophers who were the first of the faithful dear senior volunteers to arrive ready to serve our Lord God in the desert of Mexico for so many years.  

How can one forget the Christophers?  We remember their generosity, their hospitality and their unconditional love shown often through an invitation to a meal.  I remember me and my family being invited to a meal in their small trailer at the RV Park for delicious food, complete with dessert. These are wonderful and great memories of our dear Marilyn. 

I would like to say that we send you and your family our heartfelt love, friendship and prayers with a hope that one day we will all be enjoying the Lord in heaven eternally. 

In Christ, 
Tenchita, Angel Anali, y Josue

 Ahh, Mrs.Harold Christopher -- forever in my heart as the world's best combination camp nurse and cook! Loved that lady.

Linda Skiles-Hadduck

My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family. What an amazingl woman. I loved going to your parents home. They always welcome our familiy with open arms. I remember the winter we got snowed in at your house and how we would play outside, get our clothes, coats, and gloves wet and we would change into dry clothes and she would dry our wet clothes while we would go outside and get wet all over again. I am sure that dryer ran all day long. I also have such fond memories of your mom and dad in the kitchen at the camp grounds. How many of us would take a weeks vacation to go somewhere and work non-stop like they did for a week cooking for an entire camp? What a blessing to have known Harold and Marilyn Christopher.
Ruth Miller Hawk

Harold and family....

I'm grieving with you as I remember Marilyn and everything she means to me -- what a wonderful friend she has been to me over the years, so giving and loving -- never thinking of herself but of others.  My best memory of her is of the wonderful dinners and, of course, Sunday Scrabble.  We had such a great time.  I'm glad she is now in the arms of Jesus, free from pain and the cares of this world.  I'm sure she will have plenty of time to hone her Scrabble game as she waits for us to join her.  She truly was a blessing to me and will be greatly missed.

Love,

Darla

"We looked forward to Marilyn and Harold's visits. The times Marilyn and I (Bonnie) could just sit and discuss happenings in our lives and our families lives are especially remembered. She walked close to the Lord and had spiritual insight. She was our aunt, but also and mostly a long-time friend. We miss her!" Frank and Bonnie Taylor

Sending some thoughts of love as I look back over the years. Marilyn and I were at the Chin home for a prayer meeting.Harold called saying, 'did you know it is storming.' We were enjoying our time so much and of course didn't even hear the heavy sleet hitting the windows. Marilyn had driven her car and I drove mine...so Marilyn said I will follow you. Off we went. I got up the hill to 72nd street and waited for Marilyn to follow. She didn't come so I turned around and went back. She said I couldn't see which way you went, but knew you would com back for me.We started out again and were the only ones on the road so  to get on Blondo and then on 90th and then turn onto Ohio to our apartment building was a guessing game. We parked as best we could in front of the building. When I saw my Dad, Vern Ocheltree standing looking out the front door, not even knowing we were on our way, it was easy to figure out that there were some pretty concerned family members thinking about us. Marilyn was one of the most trusting people I have ever known. I knew when she said she would follow me, she followed. When I turned to go back to look for her was just the natural thing to do. I know so many times when we  worked together and depended on each other to----it was I will do what I could do and Marilyn would do what she could do.  We drove through a tornado coming from Kearney, packed cars, and a trailer full of kids and food, with our babies too and headed for CYC Camp so many times. Hard work but only good memories..The Lord was our protector and Marilyn trusted Him completely. 
For you, Marilyn with Love. Mary     

Mary Fullmer
Omaha, NE

Harold,  Sorry I didnt reply earlier, but have just felt so sad and not really sure what to say. You both are like parents to me and the pugs.  I am glad that she is now healthy again and in the loving arms of Jesus.  She I am sure is cooking again and making sure that everyone around the table is well fed and ready to burst. 

There are not words to describe her and the woman, wife to you  and  the loving mother she was. Opening up her arms to the her "adopted" family, I being one of those special kids, that was always well fed both with food and warm fellowship, and love from both of you.

  I wish I could be there for the memorial and to see you. I am planning a trip up there this spring and was hoping she would hang on until then .  My prayers and thoughts are with you your family and just know if there is anything I can do for you, from this end please call.  When I do make it this spring th pugs will be with and will be glad to see you and the other "kids"!  Lexi is slowing down but is still the same sweet girl (that sheds) and Porche (sheds too) even though now about 8 is still a kid.

  Jon and I both just want you to know how much we miss you and Mayilyn and the loss we feel with you at this time.

I will be adding a message on the memory sight soon.

Love Jay,  and Jonathan

It is with love and tears that I write. We first met while our church was being built. Harold and Marilyn were there in their trailer to help and I went up for some reason and Marilyn was helping with food for the workers.
Later, we met again when we sat behind them Sunday mornings at first service. That was their place every Sunday. Ours, a window's row I guess you would call it, were the seats behind them. Since they have been unable to come their seats are empty. For some reason no one sits there and, oh, how we miss them. So dear, and so missed.
I know I will see Marilyn again and she will be well and strong and working wherever when the Lord says, "We need a bit of help here, Marilyn."

Barbara Yotty

Marilyn was such a thoughtful person; she really cared about people.  We always enjoyed the unique cards she sent us.  When Donley was in a nursing facility for almost two years, Marilyn didn't forget him.  We knew she was thinking about Donley and praying for him, because she told him so. What a wonderful friend!  I will miss her.
 
Darleen Damon

Dear Harold and family,
 
Marilyn will be dearly missed by all of us.  I was talking to Nadine Johnson on the phone the other day and mentioning to her that
Marilyn was such a wonderful example to all of us in her walk with Christ.  What a sweet and wonderful spirit she had and now she
is with our Lord.  What a gift she was.
 
Blessings on you all.
 
Dean and Diane Cooper

     We are so glad for the opportunity to become friends over the
years at Rancho Betania.  Marilyn's life and yours have blessed us.  I
remember the times that we shared meals and friendship at your desert
home, and often watched the birds at your feeder.  Marilyn was an
ambitious pusher, helping Jacob with his school work, and doing many
chores around the Ranch.  Marilyn's letters were a blessing, too.  We
enjoyed visiting the two of you in Omaha on one trip home from RB.
       And I remember with thankfulness how you repaired the ailing
piano at the Commedor to make it useable for Ken and Letty's wedding,
when Meredith was too busy to take on the project.  I think you helped
Meredith repair our trailer when we came in with problems after a tire
disintegrated on our way to the Ranch.
    We know Marilyn is with the Lord, but our thoughts are with you and your family.  May the Lord give you each the help you need at this time.
 
               With our love and prayers,
                       Meredith and Marjorie

       We are so sorry to hear that Marilyn has left you, but also rejoice that we know she is in that heavenly place that her Lord has prepared for her. And we are thankful that we'll also be going there someday. You are in our prayers; may God give you comfort and strength for each day.

       Here is a short write-up per Bruce's request. Marilyn was very special to us, as you are, Harold. 

       We have very fond memories of Marilyn. We first met Harold and Marilyn in our initial SOWER assignment at the North Shore Bible Church in Manson, Washington. We came to know them as a loving and caring couple from Omaha and dear friends to us. We later enjoyed working with them at SOWER projects at churches in  Ellensburg and Marysville. 

       Marilyn's door was always open to visitors. She was ready to help wherever and whenever she was needed. We never heard her complain, even when she was stricken with her serious illness. 

        Marilyn was a Master Baker of cinnamon rolls, and gave us lessons in the art. Similarly she shared her expertise in making greeting cards. She showed her great interest in birds, and who could doubt her love for her dogs. 

       A possible exception to Marilyn's gentleness was displayed during game time; Harold, however, was even more competitive.

      We will remember Marilyn most for her hospitality, her loving nature, her servant's heart and her devotion to her Lord and Savior. . 
Marlin and Nettie Wall

My favorite memories of grandma are when the whole family took vacations to Mexico to see her and Grandpa at Rancho Betania. I always loved exploring the wide open desert and shopping the local markets with them.  We were fortunate enough to do this several times and the more we got down there, the more I enjoyed it.  Vacationaing with Grandma and Grandpa was always a treat for the Christopher kids.  There were many times when me and my twin brother Dave would spend a week or two during summers to spend some play-time and bonding time with them.  I have many fond memories of running around their house and playing all sorts of games when Grandma had to make sure that we didn't get into too much trouble.  She just loved everyone so much with all of her heart and I am very proud that I got to be her Grandson.  I love you Grandma, and I love you Grandpa.  You will always be role models in my life.  
 
Joe Christopher

I have many good memories; her caring heart, warm smile and great food were just a few. my prayers are with your family.

Marilyn never forgot a birthday. She always made beautiful cards and wrote a special note. One year, Marilyn brought a breakfast bread over w/ a card for my birthday. I remember at about 11 years old, how "grown up" I felt that she did that. Marilyn was a dear, gentle spirit. ~Leigh Wehner-Dunn, Omaha, NE

Dear Harold, 
 
We just received the word that Marilyn is now rejoicing at being at home with the Lord and strong, happy, and pain free.  Who could ask for anything better than that!
 
My memories of Marilyn are wonderful.  She certainly had the gift of hospitality and how she loved serving her tea or coffee and goodies.   Even when we stopped by and knew she probably wasn't feeling well, she still insisted that we sit so that she could serve us.  She definately had a servant's heart.
 
We so enjoyed working with both of you in Sowers and our memories of those wonderful days will always be with us.
 
Our hearts and prayers go out to you as you no longer have Marilyn with you physically, but her love and spirit will always be with you and you can treasure all the memories you have through your many shared years together.
 
God bless you and give you His peace and rest.
 
Love,
 
Maxine and Rich Moore

Harold,
 
Very sorry for your loss. I appreciated the things Marilyn and yourself did for the Jarvis family over the years. You both were are only family during many a holiday. I cant' say thanks to both of you enough. She was blessed with a great family, many friends and a wonderful life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
 
Kirk Jarvis and family

I know it has been difficult to watch Marilyn be taken from you but I know you feel she is now at peace and with our Lord.
 
I have only fond memories of our days here at OPPD and visits with Marilyn during that time and after you retired.  I am so happy that you are near your family.  It will be empty without her by your physical side but I know that your faith will bring you comfort and peace through this difficult time and your loving memories will be with you forever.
 
God be with you today and always.
 
All our love,
Joy and family


We adopted a dachshund, Ruby, from the pound, and she was a real challenge.  As we walked her, we became acquainted with Harold and Marilyn who took to Ruby being the dog lovers they are, and repeatedly told her what a good little dog she was and what a pretty little dog.  We now have a precious dog and their embracing of her really helped our dog become calmer and more loveable.  It was so much fun to watch the three dogs line up in front of Marilyn and take turns politely getting their green beans!  tt was so hard to watch Marilyn not be able to do the things she loved to do  The last thing we saw her do before she coujd no longer sit in the living room was to give the puppies their green beans! . Marilyn was so warm and loving.  We know she will be missed by many, many people. It is comforting to know that she is with the Lord.  Fred and Shirley Glandon

Thank you for this opportunity to remember the great times Loberta and I have spent with Marilyn and Harold, there are to many to list them all, but our times at Rancho Batania are some of our happiest and most meaningful times. What a loving couple, both for the Lord, their family and those of us who had the privilege of knowing them and spending meaningful time with them. I told Harold the other day how much we loved them and what they have meant to us as an important part of our lives.  We will continue our prayers for Harold. Don and Loberta May.

Dear Christopher Family,
Thank you for your update about your Marilyn.  She was a dear friend of my wife, Faith, since girlhood in Blair, NE where my father-in-law was her pastor.  I had the privilege of being
her pastor for 5 years in Omaha after our return from Africa and she wasa real inspiration to us especially during her struggle with the blood condition.   
 
Meanwhile we pray earnestly for the family in the knowledge that God's will is the best.   Yours in Him,  Dean and Faith Smidderks

We want to say thank you so much for sharing with us.  We have some special memories of Harold and Marilyn, in Mexico and also in their home.  The one Duane mentions quite often is  Marilyn's Belgian Waffles.  When he saw her mixing them he thought she must be cooking for a crowd, but we ate every one of them.  Duane still says he has never eaten such an awesome waffle.   Our love reaches out to each of you, and our prayers for God's strength and guidance will continue. 
Lois and Duane

Dear Christopher's,
    I cried when I read your note.   The only peace is that we will see her again!!  We prayed that her homecoming would be peaceful, I know she will be so happy to be there!!
Blessings on you, Harold.  Marilyn was such a sweet spirit....letting God use her gifts wherever she was.  Lee and I worked on projects with Harold and Marilyn in Moses Lake, Ellensberg, Marysville, and Rancho Betania. How she loved serving the Lord and spreading His love to all she worked with.  I remember the little tiny 5th-wheel they had, but it was never too small to share a dinner or desert with others!  She so loved Rancho Betania and the people there....now she'll be able to watch the progress from above!! 
    We praise God for allowing people like Marilyn and Harold to cross our paths on the earth!
    Thank you, Jesus!
    Love and prayers, 
    Lee and Pug Cook

I always considered Harold and Marilyn to be like family to me.  I do miss the old neighborhood in Omaha.

Sincerely,
Gregg Ensminger

We knew last time Harold and Marilyn were at our house that it was probably the last time we'd see them on this earth.  Thank God we have hope in Him for Heaven and to know Marilyn is at rest now.
 
Our Dear Christopher family, there is so much we could say about Marilyn.  She loved us unconditionally and completely, like Jesus does.  She  gave of herself, always thinking of others ahead of herself.  She remembered our birthdays and special occasions with cards, often made personally by herself.  She always made us feel special.  She was a light in our lives and she will be missed, but always remembered fondly and held close in our hearts.  
Love,
Robin & Doug

We love them.
Dios te bendiga
Edmundo   Rodríguez   N.

We are so sorry that your Mum's life is over but there are worse things than death and she was ready.  We remember she and your Dad with fond memories at Rancho Betania the 3 times we could go and work there.  We are amazed at the number of people who are benefitting from this place. At one of  the evening prayer meetings someone sang," This is Holy Ground ",  For all who worked there we indeed found it so.  YOur  parents hearts were in it in co-operation with The Holy Spirit-.  We ask that your Dad be upheld by the "everlasting  arms" at this sad time.  Glenn and Clara Snook- Ont. Canada

Nuestro cariño para ustedes ,
agradecemos este acto de comunicar con nosotros de la condicion de Marylin, hemos estado orando a Dios todos estos años que ha estado enferma , para mi y mi familia ella a sido como una madre y abuela por su cariño y al igual nuestro querido Garold.
Como olvidar su disposicion al servicio del Señor en Rancho Betania en Mexico por muchos años. sus huellas y sus recuerdos estan en la memoria y el corazon de Rancho Betania . COMO OLVIDAR A LOS CRISTOPHER.
Cada invierno que llegaba al campamento junto con el llegaban los Cristopher eran los primeros de todos los voluntarios que llegaban ese par de viejecitos lindos dispuestos al servicio de  Dios en el desierto en Mexico.
Como poder olvidar su generosidad , su hospitalidad y su amor incondicional su rica comida y su postre al final cuando me invitaba a mi y mi familia a saborear en su pequeño trailer en el RV PARK son tan inmensos recuerdos y bondades que recibimos de nuestra querida Marylin.
quiero decirles que nuestro corazon, amistad y las oraciones para todos ustedes y que un dia todos estaremos con el Señor en el cielo disfrutando de la eternidad,,,,,,,
 
Chava Magallanes
Tenchita, Angel Anali, Anabel. y Josue
en Cristo.

Burt and I experienced our very first Sowers project at the church in Marysville--Harold and Marilyn were our group leaders.  None of our following projects ever measured up to that one. The RV area was not visible from the road and Burt declared that he wasn't about to pull the trailer in there without looking things over first, so he sent me to walk in and check things out.  When Marilyn discovered that we had not one, but  three dachshunds!, Burt and I could have had the building skills of elephants.  We were welcome.  Each afternoon after work, the dogs would be waiting for Harold, who would always get down to their level, to greet them out in the lawn.  There were Sunday evenings sharing Nettie's Gaither recordings, and afternoons with the ladies sharing quilting skills and rubber stamping--a favorite hobby of Marilyn's.   And of course, there were morning breaks.  Marilyn always insisted that our "goodies" be well balanced so she made sure we had cheese and crackers and/or fruit to round out the treats.  I recall the one morning that two of the fellows on Steve's crew were late getting to work.  They said later that they weren't nearly as concerned about facing Steve as they were of missing Marilyn's morning break.  Both Harold and Marilyn set a Godly and high standard for the rest of us, at the same time being kind and sharing.  What a blessing it was to work with and know them.  Later, after they moved to Warm Beach, we went to visit them (and then Roxie) at their home.  As always, there were cookies, coffee and fellowship and friendship to be shared with them.  Even though it won't be easy, what a blessing it is to know that we know where Marilyn is.  Our prayers and thoughts are with you--Burt and Lea (Gossard) and Molly, Misty and "Bug" dachshunds.

Oh dear Christopher family, we know Jesus stands with you as you go through this difficult time.  Marilyn must be one of His favorites.   I don't know anyone who ever met her or Harold who did not see Jesus in them.  Tears stream down my face as I write this since I selfishly do not want to lose her in this world.
 
Knowing Marilyn and Harold has made John and I better people.  They have helped us to know Jesus in a more personal way.  We have always felt Marilyn and Harold are angels in our presence, and she will be going back to God.  Our prayers are with you.
 
Kathy and John Szymczak

I am Paul Nelson and I pastored in Lincoln and Harold and Marilyn were in Omaha.  When  I retired I moved to Tucson and Harold and Marilyn had come to Tucson the year that Harold had his heart attack.  Marilyn stayed at our home while he was in the hospital and I drove her to the hospital and picked her up.  We took the camper out to my daughter's and had it set up when he got out of the hospital.  They stayed in it till some of their children came to help them get the camper home.  My wife went to heaven eight years ago, so she will just join her there.  My prayers are with you all.  A friend in Christ,  Paul Nelson

Dear Marilyn,
 
I have heard that when one is very sick they can still hear and understand yesterday when I sat with you I told you I love you.  I also told you that you and Harold are the dearest, sweetest and best neighbors I have ever had. I think you heard me for I got a smile from that.
 
We have had many, many happy cappuccino hours together in your home and mine over these past  few yeas.And how you loved those apple fritters.  And I surely loved your ginger cookies.   
 
Good fellowship talking about our families.  You were both great comforters when Scot went home.
 
 
And Harold did so  many kind "fix up" jobs for me.  I don't think  here is a thing he can't fix.  You agreed with that statement many times over.
 
I'll miss you but rejoice  that you are in your heavenly home and comfortable once again and enjoying the beautiful music  and with your loving  heavenly Father and dear Savior
 
"I will never leave you nor forsake you".  Heb.13:5   What a promise!   Thank you Heavenly Father for all your precious promises.!

Dear Harold and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear that Marilyn passed away  ---  I know she worked hard to keep ahead of this disease.  I feel bad that we never did get up to Washington to visit  ----  and we had Omaha on our trip list for many years and didn't get there, either.  

When Marilyn came to Simi Valley to visit her Aunt Elvina, we became best of friends.  Aunt Elvina lived on our street, Adam Road,  and we had many good times together.  Our friend, Marian Johnson, joined us in some fun times.  Marian and I got the idea of short-sheeting Marilyn's bed in the little trailer she lived in on Aunt Elvina's driveway.  We had many laughs together, and talked for long hours about everything.  We all went to the United Methodist Church, sang in the choir, and worked in the Sunday School with the little kids.  

Thanks for writing, and for keeping me informed about Marilyn.  Wish I could have given her a big hug.  So very sorry I haven't been able to get together with Marilyn and Harold these past many years.  

With our love and prayers,

Virginia (Ginny) and Jim Erickson

Marilyn was not only our neighbor, she was our friend, our big sister.  With her gentle loving ways she showed us by example how to love those who might not be so lovable.  How to be kind and how to love the Lord.  We sorrow at her loss in this world, but know she is rejoicing with Jesus in Heaven.

  I met Marilyn just once, and that during the past year.  She must have been a very brave lady to have endured all of that.  My prayers are with the family.  With sympathy, Eila (Brooks) Butterworth.

We remember Marilyn as a sweet loving person and we enjoyed being in her home and also enjoyed her wonderful cooking and missed her so much when she moved to washington. I know she was ready to go home and be with the Lord and she won't hurt any longer. I know Harold you will miss her so much but you didn't want her to suffer any longer. our prayers are with you and the family. We loved you both so very much. Pat and Jack Novacek

 We so appreciate the way Marilyn faithfully reflected the love of Jesus to the world around her for so many years. Our lives have been touched and this world is a better place because of her.
 
Love,
 
Dave & Nancy Wehner

Dear Family—thank you for including us—please know of our love and prayers during this time—may HIS very near presence be so strongly and beautifully experienced by Harold and each of you.  We have been so blessed to be prayed for/interceded for through the years by Marilyn and Harold…mighty prayer warriors.  Praying for His abounding comfort and grace.
Lovingly, Donna and Dave Jacobsson

Dear family:
 
I have so many memories in my head at this moment and for the past 6 months since I was aware of the Marilyn's situation.  I should have jotted them down at those moments because now I sit here and try to think. 
 
Marilyn was my best friend.  She was such an example of being a Christian - she not only knew the Lord, she LIVED her Christianity.  She was the same age as me - but she was a role model to me.  She was my neighbor for 25 yrs and I have been in MO since l988 so another 23 yrs,  and she was a part of my life.  When as neighbors I needed someone, I could always walk across the street and "sputter and sputter" to her and she would calmly say "well, Allene, let's have a cup of tea".  Can you hear it???  She listened and listened and never judged me.  She never scolded me, she just loved me.  I weep as I type this - she so completely loved me.  There was no one like her.  She loved my sons - was always there for them also. 
 
I was just in the kitchen thinking of all the recipes I will be looking at that say "Marilyn's Pie Crust, Marilyn's Rhubarb Pie, Marilyn' this and Marilyn's that".  She is in my heart, she is in my kitchen.  Putting up corn in the summer - we would get a gunny sack of corn and clean it and blanch it and cool it and put it in bags and in the freezer - of course Marilyn would say we needed to put some on a paper plate and eat some.  We laughed, cried together and she taught me to pray.  She and Harold "LOVED" me to the Lord.  Actually, they did.  I am so thankful.  
 
She so kindly invited me boating and picnicing and it never matter that I was single - when I was with Marilyn and Harold I was whole.  
 
Marilyn was kind.  Marilyn was loving, Marilyn was a "true" friend.     After moving down here when I would tell someone here about my history up there I would refer to her as "my Marilyn". 
 
I am sorrowed at her passing, but I will rejoice and celebrate her new life.  But...at this time, I weep. 
 
Please know how much I love all you Christophers and that I have so many memories of all of you, and that you are a big part of my past in raising children and good family fun.  You are a great family and having a mother and father like you do is a great gift. 
 
I'm not giving you too many memories - they seem to be in my heart.  I loved Marilyn, and I thank God she was a part of my life. 
 
 
Loving,   Allene Howell

We met Harold and Marilyn when we helped build the Marysville Free Methodist Church.  We were SOWERS at that time.

Marilyn was one of the sweetest ladies we have ever met.  She was a lady who loved to entertain and help others.  She was very humble and loving.

My Mother, Aileen Forbing, lived in Beachwood in the Warm Beach Senior Community.  Harold and Marilyn visited her many times.

We have visited them and keep up with email reports.  She will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Thank you so much for the email notification, we will pray for peace and comfort.
AJ Mayor

  I'm sorry for your family 
I am glad for her since she told me she was ready to see the Lord. Her suffering is now over here on this earth.  What a blessing she was ....I'm grateful to have gotten to know her a little over the last several years.  She helped me a lot with my stuggles and was a kind and caring listener and a prayer  warrior for Paul and our family.  I'm sorry.  Many Blessings and Prayers to the Christopher family   Lots of love,   Linda Williams

I have a flood of memories, all good.
One graphic memory took place in the basement of the Omaha Free Methodist Church, 4011 Maple St., after prayer meeting one night in 1956.  My father, the pastor of the church, chose that moment to tell a few of the very closest to him, that he had accepted an appointment in the Illinois Wisconsin Conference and that he would be leaving, with our family within a few weeks.
Marilyn's response to that was to take one of my Dad's lapels in each hand, and burying her face in his chest, she sobbed uncontrollably.  It was one of the few times in my life that I saw my Dad in a position where he did not know what to do.  In those days, and in his mind, it would have been inappropriate for him to have wrapped his arms around her and hugged her to himself.  That is exactly what he should have done, but convention would not allow him to do it.  Fortunately, my Mother came and did it for him, gently and affectionately.  I think that image, still impressed in my seventy one year old mind, tells you something of what Marilyn meant to our family.  She was precious to us.  She was precious to me.  I look forward to being able to sit with her, in heaven, and with my parents and with many of you in the not too distant future.  I will be meeting most of you for the very first time, but Marilyn and I will be meeting as old friends. 
Ralph Timm

My heart goes out to you and your family.  I love your parents and all their love for others.
I will continue to pray for you all, for His grace and peace during this time.  
God's Sincerest blessings on you all,
Sondra Pepper

Hello friends,
 
  My favorite memory is of Marilyn spending time with Nick baking cookies.  It was several summers ago and she took Nick underwing and had him come over and bake cookies.  He so looked forward to spending time with his surrogate grandma.  Very few people have taken the time to get to know Nick and spend time with him but Marilyn did and it meant alot to Nick and to me.  She is a rare person in a world of self centered people.  All our love to her in this time of life.
 
Love, Loren and Nick

Our thoughts and prayers are with you -
 
We have so many good memories of Marilyn. Harold and Marilyn came to Bentsen Grove Park in Mission, Tx. to visit us and the main thing we did was go to Bentsen State Park to go birdwatching.  Marilyn had her ever present bird book and as she watched, she would write a note detailing where she saw the bird, etc.  She was thrilled with the green jays.
also the Mexican pheasants, called chachalacas. 
 
They also stopped in Indiana one summer when we were at our son's home.  We always parked our trailer in his drive.
so they put their 5th wheel in the yard and we had a good visit.  That was the time I got hooked on rubber stamping!
Marilyn taught me so many different things to do with rubber stamps and paper, she instilled a love in me and
I am still stamping--a lot!
 
When we came to Washington to visit Cheryl, we loved to go visit with them.  When Marilyn was feeling better,
she and Harold took us sight seeing.
 
We took a train trip in 2006 with 5 other senior citizens, when we stopped in the Seattle area for about a week, we visited Harold and Marilyn with 3 of the 5 senior citizens besides us..  Chuck and I stayed with them and the other 3 rented "the cabin" at Warm Beach.  The other couple stayed in Stanwood at a motel at night, but spent time with all of us during the day.  Marilyn and Harold acted like it was nothing unusal about having a house full of mostly strangers. I know their hearts are big enough to hold many many more.
 
I know Marilyn will be missed by everyone she was ever in touch with, but even more by family.  She was a
loving wonderful woman, I consider her one of my closest friends.
 
We love you all---------Chuck and Ruth Christopher

  I have admired and loved my aunt Marilyn for a for as long as I can remember. As I am writing this I am shedding tears for our loss of this beautiful godly woman. I cherish the times we talked and had fellowship together about our precious Savior. I remember when I got saved , the very day , I knew I needed to tell her. She rejoiced with me and was a mentor to me. I am excited to know that we will one day be together again with all the saint,( her precious mother , our grandmother) praising and worshiping our Savior together.
   It is silly one of the thoughts that came to me as I read your suggestion about sharing a memory.  I must have been about 10-11 years old and we had  been at her house visiting and  one of my brothers and I wanted to go swimming at the neighborhood pool. She let me borrow her swimsuit. I remember thinking either I am big for my age or she is tiny for a grown up.The suit fit and I went swimming.
    Jonas (my son) remembers when we were there about 7 years ago, she had shown him a pair of crocheted slippers  (like grandma Ruth used to make) and he had mentioned he liked them and sent him a pair after we got home.  She was always looking for ways to bless people and she was always a blessing to everyone. I aspire to be like her, she was an example of Christ love.
    I pray for much abundant comfort for Uncle Harold as he will feel the loss more than we can comprehend. He is loved and prayed for and I know he will cling to the Lord. My heart goes out to you and your family. 

                                                                                                                                         In His Hands,          
                                                                                                                           Marsha Miller  (Marilyn's niece)

I do have a memory that is sooo your Mom and how sweet she is.    
 
This was about 40 years ago when you lived in Omaha.  My family came to visit you and we spent the night.   We just had  Arick and Kirk at that time.  Marilyn had fixed a good breakfast for us and part of that breakfast was purple grape juice.  
Just the week before we were there Marilyn and Harold had done some work in the kitchen and part of that work was to replace the kitchen carpet.   Well, you guessed it, the grape juice got spilled on the carpet in the kitchen.   I was horified and  very upset, but Marilyn just started to clean it up and said that it would have happened some time anyway and not to worry !!!!!    I think the stain was there until the next time the carpet was replaced but Marilyn showed us the love of Jesus by not being upset and being very forgiving.   A lesson that I have not learned too well, but her attitude sure made an impression on me as a not-Christian at that time.   
I love her so much, she is like my second Mother, my sister, my aunt and my sister in Christ.   Marilyn and Harold were such a BIG impact on my life and I will always be grateful for them. 
 
May God hold you all in His arms of love as you go through this very difficult time.  We are praying for you.   
Love,   Linda Schufeldt

I remember your mom as like my second mom sometimes.
Kurt Fullmer

Several years ago I (Carol) was speaking for the Christian Women's Clubs in Omaha and Marilyn invited me to stay in their home overnight.  I have always appreciated that.  Marilyn and Harold's presence in the Omaha Free Methodist Church and the Great Plains Conference were a blessing to all.  I feel privileged to have known Marilyn.  May the Lord comfort you all as you adjust to her absence.
 
Bob & Carol Fisher
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Grandma Marilyn was loved by so many.  She touched more people's lives than we can count.  She always thought of others before herself, and enjoyed seeing others happy.  She will be welcomed in Heaven with the open arms of thousands whom she has looked up to, and those who's lives were touched by her in their earthly life. Finally, she will greet her Savior, Jesus, whom she served without fail every day.

OBITUARY

Marilyn Joyce Christopher

October 13, 1932 – February 7, 2012

Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home

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