IONE

Our beloved Mother, , age 93, passed away on July 31st at her home in lone, WA. She was surrounded by loving family and some other dear caregivers, as well as Hospice Nurse Kellie. Marien was born July 7, 1931, at home in Clark Fork, Idaho, the oldest of three children born to Clifford Mitchell and Ruby (Montague) Mitchell, both now deceased. The family moved to Metaline Falls, WA in the late 1930s for about two years, then a final move to lone where Marien lived the remainder of her life. Some of Marien’s teenage years were spent babysitting and house cleaning for families in lone, eventually meeting and marrying Mayland Groo. That marriage ended and Marien met and married Calvin Keller (deceased). Marien’s primary work was as a homemaker. Over the years, Marien had many hobbies, including quilting, art painting classes, painting pottery, growing flowers, even an aquarium, but her main hobby was walking and hiking about five days of a week. For most of forty years Marien walked around the local roads 4-6 miles a day. Marien was known as the woman they saw walking all the time. I think she liked that.

Sometimes there were family hikes to the top of Hall Mountain and Abercrombie, Sullivan Lake trail and of course Elk Creek Trail. Another passion was an annual extended family gathering to Sullivan Lake, where lots of summertime fun was had. Marien enjoyed being around her family the most. Marien had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well. Marien was active most of her life until she was diagnosed with Dementia and then there was a slow three-year decline in her health, eventually becoming bedridden. Marien’s siblings are brother Clifford (Corky) Mitchell, wife Carolyn deceased and sister Judy Stolz, husband George deceased. Surviving children are son Eugene Groo, wife Marti, daughter Debi Kofol, husband John and son Dale Keller, wife Shannon. Marien leaves behind a legacy of strength and kindness, with a little bit of feistiness thrown in.

We will miss her greatly. This would not be complete without a great big thank you and acknowledgment of appreciation to Marien’s many wonderful caregivers over these last years, including ARNP Stephanie Doud at the Selkirk Community Health Clinic and the Hospice of Spokane staff. Which allowed Marien to stay in her home until her death. They all took great care of Marien, constantly interacting, watching, and assessing her, often going above and beyond, even on their own time. All were a source of encouragement and strength, especially in Marien’s last moments of life.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home in Newport WA. is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to visit their website at www.shermancampbell.com.