PETERSON, Marilyn

Marilyn Peterson, 71, of Baker City, and formerly of Halfway, Ore., died August 12, 2014 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Boise, Idaho. Her husband Chuck was at her side. Marilyn was born to Raymond and Hazel Walston in Gooding, Idaho, on July 23, 1943. With her older brother Bob, she spent her entire childhood there. After graduating from high school in 1961, she went on to obtain her BA in English/Psychology from the University of Idaho in 1965. She then began her teaching career in Seattle, Wash. In 1968, Marilyn’s mother told her about an English teaching job opening in the small Oregon town of Halfway. Marilyn interviewed for the job in Baker and was hired on the spot. So, sight unseen and with a leap of faith thinking, “I can do anything for a year,” she moved to Pine Valley. Little did she know the small communities of Pine and Eagle Valleys would become her beloved home for the next 35 years. It would be here that she would meet her husband ,Chuck, raise their children, Molly and Brian, enjoy a 30 year career as a successful educator, become a highly regarded member of the community, and gather a circle of life-long friends. Marilyn gave of herself in all that she did. She was an intelligent woman; full of courage. She had strong principles, a clearly defined vision of right and wrong, a generous spirit and a zest for life and fun. For Marilyn, there was nothing more fun than spending time with family and friends. Camping trips to the mountains, boating on the river, reading, mushrooming, gardening, playing cards, vacationing with friends, and just sitting around telling stories were among the things she enjoyed. Shortly before her death, Marilyn spent the week at Lincoln City with her entire family and dear friends. It was a precious and special time. Her generous spirit made Marilyn a special teacher. She honed her teaching craft to make her classroom a unique blend of English and writing skills, life lessons, advice, discipline, and affection. In the words of a former student, “She treated every child as if they were her own.” Her teaching success can be measured by the number of students whose lives were influenced and made better by time spent in “Mrs. P’s” classroom. They are her legacy. Marilyn represented her professional community and her colleagues with her involvement in the Oregon Education Association and the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission. After retiring from teaching, she was elected to the Pine-Eagle school board where she served for a number of years. As an active member of the Pine Valley Presbyterian Church, Marilyn wrote the grant for and was a founding member of Jacob’s Dream. She was a two time breast cancer survivor. Each time she battled the disease with courage, toughness, and without self-pity. She became an advocate for others battling the disease and was willing to offer help, advice, support, or just lend a sympathetic ear to anyone who asked. Many happy and active years were spent in Halfway and Richland. But, in 2010, despite the fact that architect son, Brian, designed a beautiful new home for them to build on their property in Halfway, Marilyn wanted to be closer to her grandchildren and their activities. So the decision was made to move to Baker City. Marilyn will always live in the memory of her beloved husband, Chuck, daughter and son-in law, Molly and Tim Smith, son Brian and daughter-in-law Beth Peterson, grandchildren, Bryson and Spencer Smith, Miles and Finley Peterson, brother Bob Walston, and her extended family and friends. Services were held Saturday, August 16 at 11 a.m. at the Pine-Eagle High School gymnasium. The family would like to invite all Marilyn’s friends to join them for lunch and a time of reminiscing at the Lion’s Club immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jacob’s Dream in Halfway, Ore. This may be done through Coles Tribute Center, 1950 Place Street, Baker City, Ore. 97814. therconline.com 20 Aug 2014