Marilyn Joann Evans

Surrounded and comforted by family, Marilyn J. Evans, 89, of Bellingham passed away February 28, 2023 due to complications from injuries sustained in a fall while battling advanced Parkinson’s disease.
Marilyn was born during the Great Depression on August 4, 1933 to Ross and Violet Majors in Shambaugh, Iowa. She joined her older sister Evelyn and eventually became a big sister to Mary Jane. In rural Iowa, the family provided for themselves by raising their own cows, pigs, chickens, and vegetables. Marilyn savored special treats such as ice cream, popcorn, and strawberry shortcake. She and Evelyn enjoyed riding their old Shetland pony for entertainment, and the family always included a dog! She attended small, simple schoolhouses for elementary and junior high, and graduated from Clarinda High School where she pursued a college prep program and was a member of the Latin Club.
She married Paul E. Young at the tender age of 17 on January 6, 1951. They soon produced four children: Connie Jean in 1951, Daniel Thomas in 1952, David Ross in 1953, and Carol Joan in 1955. During the course of their marriage the family lived in Shambaugh, IA, Elmo, MO, Yakima, WA, Wichita, KS, and ultimately Snohomish, WA. She continued the tradition of always having a dog (and often a stray cat) included as members of the family. She was a loving and dedicated mother to her children and created a nurturing environment filled with creations from her many talents and excellent home making skills. Marilyn had many interests and hobbies. She was a talented pianist and artist. She was a great cook and gardener, and was skilled at sewing, quilting, knitting, and crochet. She loved to read.
After years of dedication to raising her children, Marilyn worked for the Everett Police Department and for the Everett Clinic as a medical transcriptionist. The consummate caregiver, upon retirement, she worked part time as a senior caregiver and took care of her own mother, Violet, until the end of her life.
Marilyn maintained a positive attitude about life and often approached it with her great sense of humor. She felt it was important to try to learn something new every day, to learn from your mistakes and appreciate what you have even if it is very little.
She was preceded in death by sisters Evelyn M. Welch and Mary Jane Majors Salinas, her son-in-law Christopher (Kip) Kelley, and her companion Dmytro Babchuk.
She is survived by her four children Connie Kelley of Bellingham, Daniel Young of Bellingham, David (Leslie) Young of Camano Island, and Carol (Carl) Brandenburg of Woodinville. She leaves behind nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Marilyn’s life will be celebrated privately and she will be laid to rest with her sister Mary Jane at Terrace Heights Memorial Park in Yakima, WA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northwest Harvest at www.northwestharvest.org .