Marilyn Joan Herres

Marilyn Joan (Page) Herres left her loving family for her heavenly home on Feb. 3, 2015, at the age of 83. She passed away in her home at Fairfield Care in Fairfield, Wash., after a courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma Cancer.

She was born Feb. 8, 1931, in Walla Walla, to the late Orin L. and Hilma H. (Patterson) Page. Marilyn grew up on the family farm outside of Walla Walla with her five brothers and attended elementary school at the Valley Chapel country school just down the road. She graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1949 and attended Central Washington College. After returning to Walla Walla she worked as a telephone operator. She met the love of her life on a blind date and on May 1, 1954, she was united in marriage to Jim Herres. Together they raised their six children in Pomeroy, where they made their home for 57 years.

Homemaking was Marilyn’s calling and gift, she loved to gather the family and it was always a party. She enjoyed cooking and especially baking, she had quite a collection of recipes. Together she and Jim started the first Pomeroy Special Olympics in 1985, coaching and chaperoning their son Jimmy and other Pomeroy residents over the years. After Jim’s retirement they enjoyed traveling with the Heritage Club and spending time with their family and friends.

To be near family, Marilyn and Jim moved to Cheney, Wash., in 2011 and in 2012 after the death of her husband, Marilyn moved to her apartment at Fairfield Care in Fairfield, Wash. Another interest was her flower garden and roses, many of them made the move to Fairfield and she continued enjoying their beauty. Marilyn was especially proud of her grandchildren and loved watching the great-grandchildren they brought her great joy. She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and Ladies Alter Society in Pomeroy.

Marilyn is survived by her children, David Herres, Walla Walla, Judy (Tim) Hahner, Fairfield, Wash., Tim (Debbie) Herres, Siletz, Ore., Jennifer (Dan) Spisak, Cheney, Wash., Jimmy Herres, Kennewick, Edward Herres, Cheney, Wash., and Lynn Burks-Herres Cheney, Wash. Her legacy lives on in 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren (one arriving in April). Other survivors include brother, Thomas (Maida) Page, Walla Walla; sister- in-laws, Mary Page, Silverdale, Wash., S. Mary Ann Herres SNJM, Spokane, Frances Roth, Walla Walla, Gloria Sells, Boise, Idaho; brother-in-law, Richard Herres, Pomeroy; numerous relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Orin Jr., Melvin (Bake), Willis and David Page.

Funeral services for Marilyn J. Herres will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 474 6th Street, Pomeroy, followed by burial at Holy Rosary Cemetery with luncheon reception to follow at Holy Rosary Catholic School. The family suggest memorials be made to Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Hospice of Spokane, PO Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210, Washington Special Olympics or charity of one’s choice.

The family would like to thank the staff of Fairfield Care Center, Hospice of Spokane and Pastor Paul Anderson for all of their care and support over her time in Fairfield.