Marilyn Rae Rexroth

Marilyn Rae Rexroth, age 87, passed away peacefully May 4, 2019, at her home in Walla Walla.  She was born in North Platte, Nebraska, to Ray and Inga Broberg Cottingham.  She attended school in North Platte through the 7 ^th grade.  In 1945 she moved with her family to Lincoln, Nebraska.  In 1949 she graduated from Teachers College High School on the University of Nebraska campus.  While she was in high school she was active in music, drama and a cheer leader in her senior year.  She attended UN one year before working at the Nebraska State Highway Department developing county maps.

Marilyn married Harold (Rex) Rexroth on September 13, 1951 in Lincoln, Nebraska.  They had met while in high school.  Rex had an additional year yet to serve in the Navy so they returned to California.  After his discharge they returned to Lincoln for two years.  In 1954 they again went back to Southern California.  Then, in 1962 moved on to the Sacramento area.  By that time the family had grown to one son and three daughters.  Marilyn was a good seamstress and was kept busy making dresses for the girls.  Again it was time to move on.  1967 found the family moving to the Seattle area.  She enjoyed the outdoors going on family hikes and camping especially around Mt. Rainier.  With Rex she climbed from Paradise to Camp Meir, at 10,000 feet.  While in both CA and WA she enjoyed bowling on a number of leagues with Rex.

After the family was grown, she was employed for five years at Boeing as a drafter.  Marilyn and Rex enjoyed Volkswalking together in the Northwest and all 50 states, as well as in Europe.  They both enjoyed traveling in China, Australia, New Zealand and many European countries.  She was an avid reader, enjoyed music, playing the piano, doing crossword puzzles, crocheting and making counted cross stitch pictures.

They moved to Walla Walla in 1997.  Shortly after arriving they joined Pioneer United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir and was active in many areas of the church.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 66 years.  Brother, Gayle Cottingham, California; son, David (Pam); daughters, Denise (Penny), Debra  Robinson (Bill), Diane Trim (Ole); seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.  Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, June Holcomb, Winona Bales; and granddaughter, Kali Rexroth.

A private graveside service will be held 10:00 AM at Mountain View Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life Service held at Pioneer United Methodist Church, 209 E. Birch Street at 12:00 PM.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Providence St. Mary Cancer group or Pioneer United Methodist Church through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA