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Marlene Shaw
09/06/1933 — 02/14/2024
From Richland, WA | Born in Alliance, OH
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Marlene Shaw
Marlene Ruth (Wilson) Shaw, 90 years of age, passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at Chaplaincy Hospice house.
Marlene was born on September 6, 1933. Raised in East Liverpool Ohio, Marlene was a twin to Merri Wilson; they were number 5 and 6 in line to a total of 8 brothers and sister. She attended school until the 10th grade in East Liverpool, Ohio.
She had her first born, Dennis at a young age and moved to Pasco, Washington to be closer to her sister Helen Douglas. In her mid-20’s, Marlene met Bernie Shaw at a Highland dance in Kennewick, Washington. They were married 18 months later on January 6, 1958 in Wallace, Idaho. At the end of the Roza irrigation line in Benton City, they transformed a rundown tar paper shack into a lovely household where a son and two daughters were raised by two loving parents.
In their spare time, Bernie and Marlene loved square dancing with the local Ho Downers and Marlene was a part of a crafters group that met monthly. She was also the Campfire Leader for both her daughters, Susan and Ann for many years.
Marlene and Bernie ran a successful business, Benton City Mint Farms, farming just under 1,000 acres of various crops, and with the help of Marlene running a hoeing crew each summer, she kept a lot of the local high school students and nieces employed.
Following the lengthy harvest seasons, winter became their time for recreation, prompting them to buy a cabin on Chinook Pass. They spent many enjoyable years at their cabin, whether riding snowmobiles or motorcycles or sitting by the campfire they created many cherished memories.
After a farming accident in 1974, they were forced to slow down and take a step back from farming. They built a house on Canyon Lake Golf Course in the early 80’s and split their time between their two homes in Washington and Arizona.
During their leisure hours, they both had the chance to pick up the game of golf. They golfed in the morning, bocce in the afternoon and played hand-and-foot or dominos in the evening. Marlene was fortunate to spend the last 20 years within miles of both of her sisters in Sun City West, which she talked to or saw daily. She actively worked for over 10 years at the Valley View and Westside Food Banks, parked cars for the Seattle Mariners and Kansas City Royals and swept streets for the Prides on Saturday mornings. Marlene did everything that was expected of a grandma; spoiled, scolded and loved all 4 of them to the moon and back.
In 2011, Bernie’s passing in their Sun City West home marked a significant adjustment for Marlene, as they typically did everything together. However, she remained active and engaged to fill the void by engaging in crafts, creating small art projects, and indulging in quilting. After living eight years by herself in Sun City West, her daughter Ann moved her back to live in Richland, Washington to be closer to family.
She was no bleeding heart —- but instilled the belief in each of her children and grandchildren that they could do anything they put their mind to, and gave them a helping hand to reach those goals. She tackled her problems head on and lived with those she could not solve. She was the center of her family’s world, respected, loved, admired and obeyed.
Marlene is survived by her brother Jim Wilson, son Dennis Shaw (wife Sharon Shaw) and daughter, Ann Marks (husband Scott Marks). Grandchildren Chad Renz (wife Liz Renz), Laura Renz, Carter Wiggins (husband Logan Wiggins), Garritt Marks. Great-grandchildren Alec Renz, Aiden Renz, Clare Renz, Tayla Wiggins, Ryler Wiggins and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Preceded in Death by husband Oren B Shaw (Bernie), and daughter Susan Renz (Suzie) along with too many friends and family.
Service will be held at Saturday, April 13th, 2024 2:00 pm at Einan’s at Sunset Funeral Home 915 Bypass Highway Bldg. H Richland, WA 99352
In lieu of flowers please send contributions to Chaplaincy Hospice House 1480 Fowler St. Richland, WA 99352
Memories of summer days spent cooking for the crew on the farm,Aunt Marlene at the helm.
So many meals to prepare, but she took it in stride. Such planning, such patience to have so many teens living in their home!
Amazing wife and Mother.
To Ann and family, what a wonderful obituary essay for a most wonderful aunt. Aunt Marlene is already missed by us in her extended family and her memory will stay with me personally forever. My great happiness in this time of our grief is knowing she is reunited with an equally wonderful Uncle Bernie and my own mother, Merri. I can almost see all of the Arizona group playing domino’s and laughing out loud.
Marlene was a second mom to me and taught me so many important lessons in my life. She was one of a kind and I will miss her dearly. Love you forever,my special friend❤️
Marlene was a force of nature. Her hugs were genuine. We will miss her.
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Marlene Shaw