Marrian Cook Cayko, 83

Surrounded by her family, our beloved Marrian (Cook) Cayko, 83, peacefully passed away on March 2, 2015, at the Coeur d'Alene Hospice House.

Marrian was born Jan. 15, 1932, the 10th of 14 children born to Peter and Lydia Zailer Cook of Sidney, Mont. She spent her youth on the family grain and sugar beet farm in Fairview, Mont. Household and farm chores were a daily part of her large family. Marrian learned many skills such as how to cook, can fruits and vegetables, bake breads and pastries, garden, and care for farm animals. She worked at the local dry cleaners and managed to keep up with school studies and daily farm chores. She graduated in 1949 from Fairview High School.

Before leaving for the military, Mike Cayko's younger brother, Andy, gave him a picture of a beautiful, dark-haired classmate. Upon his return, he asked the sweet young girl, Marrian, for a date. After many dates and dances at the Dorr, N.D., dance hall, the young couple fell in love. Married on Jan. 16, 1949, they then moved to the Cayko sugar beet farm in Fairview, N.D., where they lived for several years before moving to Sidney.

The couple had four young children when they loaded up their wooden boat with immediate necessities and moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1959. Marrian compared the site of their winter boat-towing arrival to a scene from "The Grapes of Wrath!" They, too, were seeking opportunities and prosperity. This was typical of Marrian's humor and a way to cope with life's challenges.

While Mike spent his days working at a furniture moving company and his nights bartending, Marrian put her many skills to work raising their growing family of five children. Every penny counted, so she prepared homemade treats of breads, glazed doughnuts, fudge and pies. Her Russian-German heritage was reflected in many Old Country recipes prepared for her family. The kraut beroks/runzas, chicken rice pilaf, dumplings with beef and Cayko Holiday cookies were a favorite. Her kosher dill pickles were infamous.

Marrian took immense joy in her six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She delighted in their playful visits, artistic crafts, infectious smiles and heart-warming hugs. She took pride in her Stargazer Lilies and Evening Primroses. Once, she even displayed empty lobster shells in the flower bed because she enjoyed the bright orange color. She didn't plan for the cats that soon appeared! Window hummingbird feeders and squirrel houses provided her hours of amusement.

During her lifetime, Marrian tended bar for Finney Cruises, Mish-a-Nock Cruises and the Regina Bar. She worked Bingo at the Coeur d'Alene Eagles, Elks Club, Spokane Valley Elks, and the El Patio Bingo Parlor. Marrian was employed seasonally for 17 years with the USFS Coeur d'Alene Nursery and also worked as a clerical assistant for the Social Security office.

Marrian was preceded in death by her grandson, Scott. She is survived by her loving husband, Mike; daughters Teresa (Dale) Watson, Laurie (Bill) Murphy and Barbara (Les) Francisco; sons Rod (Tracy) and Randy Cayko; grandchildren Corey, Brett, Sarah, Lucy, and Dillon; and great-grandchildren Hadley and Claire.

Marrian's quick wit was always present, even as she said goodbye. When her sister said, "I'll see you in Heaven," she responded, "If you don't see me there, pull me up!"

Per her request, there will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers (they made her sneeze!), the family suggests a donation to Hospice House or the charity of your choice.

Mike and his extended family thank all their friends and relatives for their continued prayers and support. To her many bingo and casino buddies, WIN A JACKPOT FOR MARRIAN!