Marcia Lou (Ratzer) Raile was born on November 2, 1926, in Clarinda, Iowa, where spent most of her childhood along with her sister, Helen (Ratzer) Harstad. Her cousin, Muriel (Anderson) Thompson was also raised in Clarinda and was like a sister to Marcia and Helen. Times were difficult during the Depression, but the three girls always shared fascinating stories about growing up together.

Marcia was an honor student and especially liked to read, write poetry, sing in various vocal groups and participate in clubs. She attended University of Denver and then moved to Richland, Washington, in 1945 with her parents, Nate and Elenora Lewis. While working as a receptionist for General Electric, she met her husband, Ned Raile. They were married on October 21, 1950, and had three children: Laurie, Dan, and Rob. The family enjoyed regular summer boating outings on the Columbia River and family vacations to Seaside, Oregon, and time with relatives in Tacoma, Washington and Montana. Marcia worked for Dawson Richards clothing store where she discovered her talent for selecting clothes for customers. Later in life, she modeled clothes for Kristie’s and Catherine’s. After the children were grown, Marcia and Ned became avid square dancers where they met many wonderful friends. After Ned’s death in 1984, Marcia traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, every winter where she met up with friends and relatives. 

Marcia was active in the community including being a member and volunteer receptionist for Central United Protestant Church. Marcia loved her long-term involvement with the Miss Tri-Cities Scholarship Program and being a member of the Preceptor Rho (Beta Sigma Phi) sorority. Marcia served on the City of Richland Parks Board.

She was blessed the last few years to meet for the first time half-siblings, David Reid, Walt Reid, and Donna (Reid) Vann along with their spouses and family members Lisa Hobson and John and Nancy Reid who enriched all of our lives.

Marcia is preceded in death by her husband, Ned Raile, son Dan Raile, parents, Nate and Elenora Lewis; sister, Helen Harstad; grand-nephew, Cory Jansen; and aunt, Marion Anderson. She is survived by her daughter, Laurie (Ron) Williamson; son, Rob (Shannon) Raile; grandchildren, Megan (Williamson) Laurion and husband, Chris; Lindsay (Williamson) Lavin and husband, Pat; Melanie Williamson, Jace Raile, Davis Raile, and Nathan Raile; three great grandchildren, Patrick, Rosalie and Conor; nieces Kristi (Cliff) Wells and Sanar Alixandyr; nephew, Brian Harstad; daughter-in-law, Terry Raile; and cousin, Muriel Thompson along with many extended family members.

There will not be formal memorial services. Please share your thoughts online at https://www.sunsetgardenstricities.com/obituaries/

Cards can be sent to Laurie Williamson, 306 Riverwood Street, Richland, WA 99352. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Miss Tri-Cities Scholarship Program, http://misstricities.org or Pet over Population, http://www.popptricities.org.