MARLENE JOAN (THIES) BROWN

Marlene Joan Thies Brown passed away Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at CityView2 Adult Family Home in Colfax, WA from age related causes at the age of 84.  Marlene was born October 3, 1934 at Fairfield, WA to Bill and Dorothy (Jahns) Thies.  She attended all 12 years at the Fairfield School.  She married Allen W. Brown of February 7, 1952 and the couple made their home at Oakesdale, WA.  Marlene was born on a farm and she married a farmer.   Marlene later worked at the Oakesdale School District as a paraprofessional.  She was a co-owner of Ditzys, Neats & Dumb-Dumbs in Oakesdale and enjoyed working there after her retirement.

Marlene loved to cook and canned fruits and vegetables all summer.  She participated in harvest by driving truck and cooking for hired men.  She was an accomplished seamstress and made lots of clothes for her children.  She was also a gifted crafter, artist, and quilter.  She gave her children many beautiful items she had made over the years.  She especially loved to make “Faberge” eggs.  She was even offered $2000.00 for one, but refused the offer.  She loved gardening and her yard bloomed every summer with all the beautiful flowers she raised.

Marlene belonged to the Granite Hill Club, Eastern Star, the McCoy Piecers Quilt Guild, and the Community Presbyterian Church in Oakesdale.

Marlene is survived by her daughters, Laurie Brown of Oakesdale, Leanne (John) Merkel of Reardan, and Lisa (Gordy) Haas of Tensed, Idaho; 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.   She was preceded in death by her husband Allen Brown, her brothers Lowell Thies and Dale Thies, and her parents, Bill and Dorothy Thies.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Oakesdale Cemetery with Pastor Erik Buhl officiating.  A community potluck will follow at the Oakesdale Fire Station.  All are invited.

Memorial gifts may be given to the Oakesdale Fire District in Oakesdale.

Kramer Funeral Home of Tekoa, Washington is caring for the family. You are invited to leave online condolences for the family at www.kramercares.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of MARLENE JOAN (THIES) BROWN, please visit our floral store.