Marda Ann Sticher, née Monroe, was born on Feb. 15, 1934 in Everett.

She graduated with honors from Everett High School in 1952.

After high school, Marda joined the U.S. Air Force. She was the only person to receive 100 percent on her entrance exam at the time.

After retiring from the military, Marda became an FAA radio controller. She became the first woman air controller for the federal government after accepting a position at the Miami International Airport.

She met her husband Bill Sticher in the service and they were married several years later in July 1972.

Both Bill and Marda retired shortly thereafter. They traveled together extensively meeting several interesting people and enjoying global adventures together before settling down in Oak Harbor in 1979.

They were both very active in the Oak Harbor Senior Center and made several lifelong friends there.

Marda was preceded in death by her husband Bill.

She is survived by her brother Don Monroe and many nieces and nephews.