Marlene Freda (Koch) Clark

Marlene Freda (Koch) Clark, died on March 4 in Medford, Oregon. She was born Sept. 3, 1927, in Ritzville to parents Ralph and Freda (Miller) Koch.

Following her graduation from Ritzville High School in 1945, Marlene continued her education at Washington State College, now known as WSU, where she met Leo Clark. Marlene and Leo were married Aug. 15, 1948.

Marlene lived in Grant’s Pass since 1959 after moving there from St. Helens, Oregon. She was active in the local PTA when her children were young and later she was active in the Jerry Acklen Diabetes Support Group.

She enjoyed cruises, playing bingo at Carl’s Jr., never lost money at the casino and was an artist with knitting needles. When attending meals at the senior center everyone knew which table she was sitting at because there was always lots of laughter.

One of her favorite stories to tell was about when she was in an elementary school play, she was little Cinderella Daisy and her cousin Stanley Streeter was Robin Red.

Marlene knew no strangers. It was known by the family if you went shopping with mom she would stop and talk with everyone. Her last eight years were spent at Rogue Valley Retirement where she continued to bring smiles and joy to those around her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Leo and her sisters Verna Koch and Iva Mae Parks.

Marlene is survived by her six children; Quinna Renner (Dean), Olympia; John Clark, Portland; Blaine Clark (Leslie), Goldhill, Oregon; Todd Clark, San Fransisco; Bethann Santillano (Danny), Ventura; Kip Clark (Laurie), Portland. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Following Marlene’s request, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will be held this summer. Marlene will be buried in the family plot in Ritzville.