Marilyn Joyce Saunders, 82

Marilyn Joyce Saunders of Bayview, Idaho, passed away at Kootenai Health Hospital in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on March 15, 2024, at age 82. She was born to Margaret née Liebing and Howard Hirschel in Wilbur, Wash., on Aug. 6, 1941. 

She grew up on a farm a few miles east of Rockford, Wash. She actively participated in school activities at Rockford. She was in the second class that graduated from a newly consolidated Freeman High School. Marilyn continued her education with one year at Whitworth College, then the following year at the University of California at Berkeley. 

Marilyn married Kenneth Saunders on June 12, 1960, at the Presbyterian Church in Fairfield, Wash. A few days after the wedding, the couple started their life adventure with a trip to Livermore, Calif. 

She was an artist, homemaker, and an active volunteer at the Presbyterian Church in Livermore. She was a choir member, the Elder for youth programs, a Deacon, and a volunteer office worker. In addition to raising the two boys, she was extremely creative with painting, crocheting, knitting, quilting, woodworking and cooking. 

Marilyn enjoyed gardening, landscaping, camping, swimming, boating and water skiing. 

She participated in and often led organizations encouraging knitting, crocheting, quilting and other textile arts. She was a member of the Bayview Chamber of Commerce and the Bayview Community Center and contributed significantly to their programs.

Marilyn maintained a positive outlook while dealing with health issues. She found ways to continue or adapt her pleasurable activities. 

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Saunders (Idaho); sons Brent Saunders and Craig Saunders (California); two granddaughters and three great-grandsons. Her life will be celebrated at a memorial service by her close family and friends.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with the care of arrangements. Please visit Marilyn’s memorial and sign her online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.