Marilyn was born on January 4, 1927 in Seattle, Washington and was the daughter of Howard and Georgia (Wilcox) VanCleve. She grew up in Kirkland, WA and graduated from Kirkland High School in 1945. She later attended the University of Washington and worked in the dispatch office at Puget Sound Power and Light.
On October 17, 1954, Marilyn married Ernest Whitcomb in Kirkland. They moved to Los Angeles for a few years and returned to Washington, residing in Kirkland. In 1998, they moved to Newport, Oregon and in 2003 to Gresham where Marilyn resided until her death.
Family was very important to Marilyn. She was devoted to her children as they were growing up. They went on camping trips and road trips and if they were good, they would stop for ice cream or fudge. She taught them important life lessons that molded them into the people they are today.
She was also a devoted wife. Ernest and Marilyn were always together; soul mates at heart. They traveled the country, with their travel trailer, visiting family and making memories. They also enjoyed trips to the Oregon Coast and skiing at Mt. Bachelor.
Marilyn was a very talented woman. She enjoyed sewing and cross stitch and made outfits for her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed her flower garden. She was a special wife, mom, grandma, sister and friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Ernest of Gresham, daughter, Georganne Moon of Gresham, son, Howard of Gresham, sisters, Elizabeth Skadan of Kenmore, WA and Judith VanCleve of Tacoma, WA along with two grandchildren, Krystal Dickinson and Janelle Moon both of Gresham. Her brother, William VanCleve Jr. preceded her in death.
A Celebration of Marilyn’s life will be on Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home in Gresham. Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 from 1-5 pm also at Bateman Carroll. Private Interment will take place at Willamette National Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Bateman Carroll Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
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