Marilyn Lee Christenson

Marilyn Lee Christenson passed from this life at the age of 98 and entered her eternal home to be present with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was born June 20, 1927, in Walla Walla, Washington to Carl and Pearl Miller, the first of five children. After brief stays in Enumclaw and Grandview, her family settled in Cowiche, a small community in the Yakima Valley. Marilyn attended Cowiche High School where she was an honor student, a standout tennis player, and the yearbook editor. After graduating in 1945, she married her high school sweetheart John W. Christenson in November of the same year. They would share 64 years together before his passing in 2010. For 63 of those years, they worked hand in hand together owning and operating an apple orchard in the Cowiche area. The ranch was the ideal setting for raising their five children and enjoying the grandchildren.

Marilyn embraced being a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and even a great-great grandmother! The family home became the gathering place where a large, home-cooked meal was often the center. Her turkey dinners were the most memorable! Each year she canned many jars of pears, peaches, apricots, and other fruits which were generously shared with others. Marilyn spent countless hours with the grandchildren, reading Bible stories, playing games, enjoying walks, riding on the four-wheeler, and baking special treats together. She amazingly developed an individual relationship with each one and was able to express that personal bond well into her 90’s.

Marilyn had a great love for the outdoors and actively worked in the orchard, especially playing a vital role during harvest time. She loved walks, often accompanied by the family dog. She was a long-time member of the Yakima YMCA and enjoyed swimming and participating in water aerobics classes. Reading daily in her Bible and writing in her journal were priorities. She could quote many passages of Scripture. Church fellowship was most important, and her beautiful singing voice blessed many in that setting. Marilyn’s genuine care for others extended well beyond her family and was demonstrated through a wide variety of practical helps.

In 2012, she moved to Seattle to be in assisted living care at Horizon House, where she resided until her death. Her family is grateful for the excellent care she received there.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband John, sisters Bina Hernandez and Joy Henkel and a brother Carl Miller Jr. Marilyn is survived by her five children, Carla Strandjord (Phoenix, AZ), David Christenson (Peggy) Cowiche, WA, Jerry Christenson (Mary) Salem, OR, Judith Christenson, Yakima, WA, and Karen Wampler (Tom) Seattle, WA. Eleven grandchildren, Bradley Christenson (Kathryn), Matthew Christenson (Colleen), Ryan Dunkin (Jessica), Kristin Baldwin (Larry), Andrea Canonge (Michael), Michael Christenson, Marissa Fudge (Rob), Andrew Christenson, Anna Smith (Doug), Zachery Christenson (Heidi), and Christian Wampler. Fifteen great-grandchildren, Noah (Anna), Kolaiah, and Matteah Baldwin, Tanner Christenson (Quincey), Lauren Hottell (Mike), Claire and John Christenson, Pearl, James, and Jeremiah Dunkin, Ellie and Alexa Canonge, Remington and Edison Fudge, and Madelyn Joy Smith. One great-great grandchild, Baylor Christenson and pre-born twin great-great granddaughters arriving soon.

Funeral Services will be held at Keith and Keith Funeral Home on Friday July 25, 2025 at 10:00 followed with burial at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. To leave a memory for the family please visit keithandkeith.com.