Myra Marlene Beltran

Myra Marlene Tobey Beltran was born on March 1, 1942, to her father Hilman Tobey (Pyramid Lake Paiute) and mother Thelma Townsend (Fort Bidwell Paiute). Marlene was an enrolled member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. She spent much of her early childhood with her grandparents Nellie and Albert Townsend in Fort Bidwell, CA, where she learned the Paiute language and many cultural teachings she would later share with her children, grandchildren, and students. She spent her middle and high school years in Tulalip, WA, where she lived with her mother Thelma and siblings.

After graduating from Stewart Indian School in 1960, Marlene was part of Indian relocation and moved to Oakland, CA, where she trained as a beautician and developed lifelong friendships with other relocated Natives. Marlene had four beautiful children: Floyd Leon Bitsie, Steve Beltran III, Dareth Lynn Beltran, and Richard Darren Powell. After enrolling her youngest son at Hintil Kuu Ca, Marlene began to volunteer there, discovering her passion for early childhood education. Marlene pursued a degree in early childhood education and dedicated much of her life to teaching Native children in the Bay Area. She was an educator at Hintil Kuu Ca for more than 25 years, from the mid 1970s (when the school was located near the Intertribal Friendship House) until her retirement in the early 2000s. Many members of the Oakland Native community have fond memories of Marlene reading to them, singing songs, and comforting them during naptime. Marlene resided in Oakland for 43 years before she relocated to Tulalip, WA, in 2005 to be closer to the maternal side of her family.

Marlene raised her granddaughter, Angie Rodriguez, as her own daughter and truly went above and beyond to give her the best life she could. When Angie had her daughter, Elaina, Marlene once again became an unconditional source of strength and love for both of them. Marlene loved them beyond words, and they brought each other endless joy, laughter, and love throughout their lives.

Marlene was a very strong matriarch within her family and her community. Her cultural wisdom, life lessons, and stories were abundant and always meaningful. Marlene was, above all, loving and cared deeply for her family and friends. Her personality and energy were magnetic, and she deeply connected with all who knew her. Marlene always had a story to tell, a memory to share, and a laugh to brighten your life.

Marlene thrived when surrounded by those who loved her most. She enjoyed spending her time beading keychains and earrings, playing bingo and cards, watching movies and TV, reading, and socializing with her family and friends. This past summer Marlene traveled to Nevada to attend the Stewart Powwow with her son Steve and granddaughters Alyssa, Angie, and Elaina. She was able to spend time with her sisters Anita and Linda, visit her Dad Hilman in the museum, and swim in Pyramid Lake one last time. It was a perfect culmination to a beautiful life full of memories, laughter, love, and joy.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents Hilman Tobey and Thelma Townsend, her siblings Mark Tobey, Lita Sheldon Mowrer, and Byron Sheldon, as well as her children Floyd Leon Bitsie, Dareth Lynn Beltran, and Richard Darren Powell.

Marlene is survived by her devoted and loving son Steve Beltran III; her siblings Linda (Tobey) Koehn, Anita (Tobey) Rambeau, Victor Tobey, Spencer Tobey, William Sheldon, and Karen Sheldon; her grandchildren Alyssa Beltran (Steve), Reva Beltran (Steve), Helena Rodriguez (Dareth), Mario Arredondo (Dareth), and Angelina Rodriguez (Dareth); and her great grandchildren Aaron Aydelott (Helena), Michael Rodriguez (Helena), Jasmine Rodriguez (Helena) and Elaina Luquin (Angie). She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

Marlene leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, cultural knowledge, and family that will continue through the generations she so deeply cherished. We wish Marlene well on her journey to the spirit world.

A Funeral Service will be held at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home, 804 State Ave, Marysville, WA 982704237, US, on September 19, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Committal Service will be held at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, 1615 SE Everett Mall Way, Everett, WA 98208, US, on September 19, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.