Marilyn Dhaenens, loved by all who knew her for her unfailing kindness and devotion to family, was tragically taken from this life too soon on October 18, 2018. Born on September 7, 1957 in White Salmon, Washington, she spent her school years in Soap Lake, Washington, and then moved to Spokane in the 1970s. She married Scott Dhaenens, the love of her life, on New Year’s Eve 1997 and they made their home in Liberty Lake.
In addition to Scott, Marilyn is survived by her sisters Candy and Audrey Bates, Jean Pearson and Magi Russell; her children Matt, Scott and Craig Peterman, Matt’s wife Crista, Zac Smith and his wife Jori, Nick and Alec Dhaenens and Nick’s fiancée Rachel; and her beloved grandchildren Brody, Owen, Carsten, Kash, Kyha and Gavin. Also mourning her loss are her parents-in-law, Dane and Bev Sanders, and her nieces and nephews Nichole Packwood, Justin Packwood, Jared Merkle, Ryan Merkle, Katie Merkle, Joey Allen, Kyle Bates, Jacob Bates, and great nieces Grace Packwood, Brooklyn Boyd and Bella Boyd. She was preceded in death by her parents, Matthew C. Bates and Marilyn R. Bates, and her daughter Faith Kay Peterman.
At the time of her death, Marilyn was a Real Estate Broker with the John L. Scott office in Liberty Lake. Having immersed herself fully in learning this profession, she earned certification credentials in both Washington and Idaho as a Certified Residential Specialist, an Accredited Buyers Representative, a Relocation Specialist and a Seniors Real Estate Specialist. She received the Presidents Elite designation, a high professional distinction, for the past five years. Her colleagues considered her family, closing the John L. Scott office for two days following her death to begin coping with their loss. She treated clients like family as well, knowing her personal connection would help them with the major life change associated with selling or buying their home.
Before her move to a real estate career Marilyn was with Telect, headquartered in Liberty Lake, for more than 20 years, heading a major product group. She valued her time there, especially her personal relationship with owners Bill and Judy Williams, who guided her professionally and personally. Because she and Scott met at Telect, the company has always had a special place in their hearts.
Marilyn loved life and had a wide variety of interests, with her grandchildren at the top of the list. It is not possible to overstate how much she loved her husband, children and grandchildren. She was committed to wellness and had walked several miles - without fail - every day for the past four years, covering more than 10,000 miles. She was a gifted interior decorator (her Christmas décor was legendary) and a creative quilter. She often unearthed treasures during thrift store visits, something she found very fun. She had great personal style and especially enjoyed shoes, handbags and jewelry. Travel was a joy – she and Scott especially loved going to Hawaii together. She surprised her family by becoming an avid football fan when one of her sons started playing on his college team.
Marilyn’s personality and human qualities enriched the lives of her family, friends, colleagues, clients and all who knew her. She was selfless and compassionate, an intuitive and empathetic listener, patient, humble, and gentle but strong. Her sense of humor and lovely smile conveyed her warmth. She was truly motivated to spread kindness in the world and expand the definition of family.
The funeral service for Marilyn will be held Thursday, October 25 at 1:00pm at Hazen & Jaeger Valley Funeral Home, located at 1306 N. Pines Rd in Spokane Valley. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity or cause that has meaning for the donor.
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