Obituary of Marilyn Skidmore

On Tuesday, December 28, 2021, Marilyn Ione Skidmore, loving wife and mother, passed away at the age of 83.

Marilyn was born on October 21, 1938, in Mabton, WA, to the late Howard and Effie (Crigler) Rice. She graduated from Mabton High School in 1956 and attended Yakima Valley Community College before beginning a career as a bank teller in Mabton.  On December 15, 1962, she married the love of her life, Loren LeRoy Skidmore. Loren and Marilyn raised a son, David, and a daughter, Mary Kathryn (“Kathy”).

Marilyn’s heart for others was often expressed with food. She loved to cook, and she was wellknown for the special favorite meals and recipes she prepared for friends and family. Marilyn held the most special place in her heart for animals and children, whether they were part of the family or just wandered into her yard, looking hungry. Of the many animal and human strays Marilyn attracted to her warm and loving home, those who spoke human simply called her “Mom.”

Marilyn was preceded in death by her father, Howard, her mother, Effie, and her sister, Carolyn.

She is survived by Loren, her loving husband of 59 years, of DuPont, Washington. She is also survived by her son, David (Teri) of Merrill, Michigan, her daughter, Kathy (Douglas) of DuPont, Washington, her brothers, Ronald (Patricia) and Richard (Susan), seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, an extended family of relations and friends too numerous to list but not forgotten, and her cat, Abby.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Grace Community Church, 8243 S. Park Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98408, at 1 p.m. Flowers may be sent to 2269 McDonald Avenue, DuPont, WA 98327. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Concern For Animals, 1414 State Ave NE, Olympia WA 98506, or Saint Jude Children’s Hospital.