Marietta Rowe Clements Hobbs

On the anniversary of her birthday, November14th, 1942, Marietta Rowe Clements returned home. The granddaughter of Naches homesteaders and the daughter of Charles and Elna Rowe, she spent a fulfilling childhood surrounded by fruit orchards and dear school friends of her beloved Naches Valley.

Marietta was a graduate of Washington State University where she served as president of her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and as it was meant to be, met Dick Clements her partner through 39 years of joyful marriage. An education major, Marietta taught elementary school while Dick served in the military before returning to the Yakima area. She would tell you that the crowning achievement of the years she and Dick shared was the family life they created together with their children.

Marietta enjoyed the simple things in life; morning and evening walks around Rowe Hill, reading a good book while in the shade under the arbor, or taking in beautiful scenery of the Cascades while hiking Naches Peak. She delighted in hosting gatherings all year long; cider pressing in autumn, sunlit pool parties in summer and sledding in winter, each celebration adorned with vibrant cuttings from her flourishing garden.

Marietta’s dedication to education continued in contributions to the community including supporting scholarship funds, serving on the board for Education Service District 105, and the YMCA’s Aspire program. Additionally, she gave generously of her time to the Memorial Hospital Guild, Junior League of Yakima, Governor’s Mansion Foundation and Planned Parenthood. Her love of travel broadened her perspective and reinforced her commitment to the local causes she supported.

Family and friends who knew her well will attest that her moral compass was rock solid. She became a guiding light in times of uncertainty, and hard decisions were made easier by simply asking, “what would Marietta do?”. Her wisdom and integrity set a standard others aspired to follow.

Marietta is survived by her children Kristy Clark and her husband Tim, their kids Tally & Powell; her son Mark Clements and wife Kim and their son Andrew. She is also survived by her brother Walter “Buzz” Rowe and his wife Robin.

She is preceded in death by her first husband Dick Clements, her sister Sandi Eckert and her second husband Tim Hobbs Sr., whose surviving kids are Tim Hobbs Jr. and Amy Hobbs and their extended families.

A celebration of life will be held at Yakima Covenant Church, 6015 Summitview Avenue, in Yakima at 11 AM on Saturday, November 29th, followed by a reception at Fontaine Estates, 151 Rowe Hill Drive near Naches.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Marietta’s name to an organization dear to her; the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, Junior League of Yakima, or the Dick & Marietta Clements Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Washington Apple Education Foundation.

Her family gives thanks to the compassionate caregivers at Highgate Senior Living as well as MultiCare Memorial Hospice.