Marla Kay Houser

Marla Houser, of Olympia, passed away at home on July 9th surrounded by her family after a two-year battle with cancer. While our hearts mourn this incredible loss, we take comfort in knowing she is now at peace with our Heavenly Father.

Born to Maurice and Marjorie Jarmer, Marla grew up on Sauvie Island, OR, and was the third oldest of eight children. She proudly graduated from Marshall High School in Portland. Marla married Charles (Skip) Houser on June 2nd, 1990, and together they built a life in Olympia, WA. Marla was employed with The Olympian Newspaper for 20 years, was a bookkeeper for USSSA Umpires Association, and later worked as an accountant for Granite Gallery prior to her retirement. Marla’s three children, Amanda, Courtney, and Trevor were her entire world. From sports to school activities and everything in between, Marla was their biggest supporter and constant cheerleader. In February 2023, Marla was promoted to grandma when her first grandchild, Graham, was born. Cuddles, as Marla fondly referred to him, was her sunshine on a rainy day.

Marla was a passionate Mariners fan, never missing an opening day. She also relished cheering for the Seahawks, traveling to watch them play in Boston, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, and London too. She loved attending concerts with her family and sisters, trying new recipes, going on walks with friends, and celebrating holidays with her loved ones. Marla most enjoyed vacations to Mexico and Lake Chelan and had a sweet tooth for cherry pie and freshly baked cinnamon rolls.

Marla was an exemplary daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandma, and friend. She will be remembered for her unconditional love, kindness, strength of spirit, unending generosity that was exemplified in her care for others, and her unwavering faith in God’s divine plan for her life. Marla has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know and love her, a true blessing in the lives of others.

Marla is survived by her husband, Skip, daughter Amanda (Jonathan) Ward, daughter Courtney (Braden) Stepp, son Trevor Houser, grandson Graham Ward, and her siblings, Diane Schmidt, Greg Jarmer, Cindy (Tom) Tetherow, Teresa Quinton, Scott (Cindy) Jarmer, and Luann (John) Cameron. Marla was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Marjorie, and brother Paul Jarmer.

Marla will be cremated and interred at the Mills & Mills Memorial Park in Tumwater, WA. A memorial service will be held in her memory at Ainsworth House & Gardens in Oregon City, OR, on Saturday, July 27th, at 1:00 pm. A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, August 10 th, from 1:00-5:00 pm at Capitol City Barn in Olympia, WA.

In honor of Marla's commitment to finding joy in each day and spreading kindness to others, our family invites you to do the same. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an organization of your choice that supports cancer research, patients, and their families.