Marlys Kathryn Christensen

Marlys Kathryn Christensen of Stanwood passed away peacefully at her home on May 20, 2010, surrounded by her family.

Marlys was born August 9, 1934 in Castle Rock, Minnesota, to Grove and Clara Kraft. The Kraft family moved to the Skagit Valley when she was 8 years old. She spent much of her free time exploring the natural beauty of the area. These early adventures spurred a lifelong love of travel and exploration in Marlys, and she always found great joy in the journeys she took with her family.

After graduating from Mount Vernon High School in 1952, she married Dale Christensen on December 20, 1953.

The newlyweds spent the early part of their marriage in Alaska, where Dale was stationed in the Army, and returned to the Skagit Valley after his discharge, finally settling in Stanwood in 1961.

Marlys was an active and vibrant member of the Stanwood community, serving Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in a variety of roles, including many years as treasurer and as a member of the Altar Guild and Quilting Club.

She also worked at Gordy’s Apparel and then at the Stanwood Camano NEWS for 12 years until her retirement in 1999. Marlys loved that her role in the church and her career offered her the opportunity to meet and know so many members of the community.

In addition to travel, Marlys also enjoyed gardening, rooting for the Mariners, and seeing her friends.

Married to Dale for 56 years, they raised a family that included three children, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. Valuing her family above all, she looked forward to their annual Chelan trip – an event that took place for more than 30 years – and attending the various sporting events of her children, and later those of her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Marlys is survived by her husband, Dale, children Kim (David) Christianson of Mount Vernon, Karen (Brian) Barton of Cashmere, and Kevin (Tina) Christensen of Sedro-Woolley, seven grandchildren Kyle and Andrea Smith, Heather Strickland, Kay’d Barton, Kathryne McCamey, Kyle and Andrea Smith, Nicole and Megan Christensen, two siblings – Wendell Kraft and Marlene Remington, and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandchild, Mandy Barton.

Marlys shall be remembered by many as a kind and giving person, who was always ready to help others. She will be missed by her family and all who knew her.

There will be a celebration of Marlys’s life on June 12, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Stanwood.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Skagit Hospice, 819 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon, 98274 or Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 370, Stanwood, 98292.