Marilyn June Adams was born in Harlan, Iowa on February 7, 1929 to parents Lloyd and Grace (Murphy) Adams. Marilyn was first child and eldest sister to Lowell, Richard, Kenneth, and Beverly. In her very early years, Marilyn’s family lived and worked on an Iowa farm and they all worked together very hard in rough conditions to keep the farm in operation. Later, Marilyn’s father sought employment with the United States Postal Service and the family relocated from rural Iowa and into the city. Sadly, not long into his career with the Post Office, Marilyn’s father passed away suddenly due to a heart attack.
Marilyn Married Johnny Paul Grabill in 1948. The two met when they were both country school students. The two were blessed with a son Randy in 1951.
Marilyn and Johnny remained in Iowa and worked in farming until 1974 upon which time they relocated to Oregon where they settled in Hillsboro. The farm in Iowa was later sold. Johnny went to work for the Hillsboro school district as a maintenance man. Marilyn worked for the school district as well – first as a cook for David Hill Elementary and later as a member of Educational Services where her main role was in mending and re-binding textbooks. It has been said that during her time with ESD, she did all kinds of things to support the schools in the district. After 5 years with the school district, Johnny went on to start his own handyman business and for a time Marilyn continued in her role with Educational Services.
The two retired in the early 1990’s and they enjoyed many motorhome excursions together. The two made many returns to Harlan to reconnect with family and friends. They visited many special destinations including Alaska and Nevada. The two gave up motorhoming in 2007. Johnny kept busy tinkerikng around the house and Marilyn enjoyed time outside connecting to nature gardening and tending to her Roses.
Marilyn will be remembered as a loving, caring wife, mother, and “mother to all.” When her son Randy married Jo, Marilyn warmly welcomed Jo with loving arms. Marilyn truly saw the value of friendship and she developed many close bonds with friends and neighbors over the years. She had a deep love for animals and her family always included a dog in the group. She had many pet companions over the years, mostly dogs, but she had a cat during some of that time, too. She held a love and true devotion to her pet companions.
Marilyn is predeceased by her parents Lloyd and Grace; her husband Johnny; brothers Lowell, Richard, and Kenneth; and an unnamed son that sadly passed away at birth.
Marilyn is survived by her son Randy (Jo) of Hillsboro, OR; a sister Beverly Adams (Jean Winfield) of Palm Desert, CA; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; a dear neighbor and close friend Jessie Ferreira; and dear friends Robert and Jenny Jackson and Linda and Jim Scamahorn; and of course loyal doggie companion Rudy.
Marilyn will be privately laid to rest next to her beloved Johnny in Skyline Memorial Gardens of Portland, OR.
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