Marlene Grasser

Marlene Grasser was surrounded by her loving family as she left this life on Dec. 6, 2015, after an inspirational two-year battle with cancer.

Marlene was born in Anacortes on Sept. 20, 1969, and grew up in Coupeville, a true prairie girl. At three years old she began her lifelong love of horseback riding. She was an incredible athlete, excelling at every sport she participated in and was a great role model for many girls. In high school she played volleyball, basketball, softball and track. A recipient of many awards, her proudest moments involved her teammates. She had a passion for learning and became her own mechanic and a very skilled wood worker. She took everything on with an eagerness to learn and a stubborn streak that just didn’t quit. She loved to travel, and Hawaii was a favorite place to go, making several trips with family these last few years and making many fond memories.

After Marlene graduated from Coupeville High School in 1987, she attended Central Washington University where she continued to play volleyball. Initially intending to become a member of the state patrol, her direction changed and she became a registered nurse instead. Her nursing career began at Evergreen Healthcare in Kirkland, at the call center, where she thrived and became a very dedicated manager. Ultimately she found a career promoting the software she believed in. She continued her education and recently graduated from the UW with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. (BSN)

Marlene was a believer in helping people: she volunteered for the Red Cross, accomplished the very difficult course for volunteer fire fighting, helped out at school auctions and donated her time and money to many causes close to her heart. She would even take her Suburban out in the snow to help neighbors stuck in ditches – that was just her way. She approached life with a smile and a silly sense of humor, always looking for the lighter side of things.

Marlene is survived by her devoted husband Jim; her children Erika, Lance and step-daughter Shelby; her parents Bill and Sylvia Grasser of Coupeville; her siblings and their spouses, Marie and Ron Bagby, Michele Fournier and Dean and Sherra Grasser; and Jim’s parents James and Barbara Everett and other loving family of Uvalde, Texas. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews April, Ashley (Alex), Michael, Jason ,Craig, Crystal (Devin), Tyler, Emmy; grand-niece and name sake, Mia Marlene; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and every life she touched.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, at Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2 p.m. at the Coupeville High School Commons with Gary Wallin, Certified Life Celebrant officiating.

Flowers may be sent through Flowers Express in Coupeville.

Donations may be made to Marlene Grasser Benevolent fund at any BECU (Boeing Employee Credit Union) Financial Institution, Routing 325081403, account 3602350089, 13910 NE Mill Plaza, Woodinville, WA. 98072

Please visit Marlene’s page in the Book of Memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, LLC, Oak Harbor, WA.