Marian Whipple

Marian Whipple finished her earthly journey on April 10, 2017, at the age of 91. She was born in Anaheim, California on May 21, 1925, the only child of Lewis Marion and IsalenePickel. While in elementary school, Marian started taking piano lessons. By the time she was in high school, she was accompanying individuals and school groups on the piano. She graduated from Anaheim Union High School in 1943, and earned a bachelor's degree in music (organ emphasis) in 1947 and a master's degree in music theory in 1948, both at the University of Redlands.

In the fall of 1949, Marian moved to Walla Walla, Washington, where she joined the staff at the First Presbyterian Church. She served in the children's education department and played the organ for church services. Within a short time, she was introduced to her future husband, Howard Whipple, by a mutual friend. They were married on December 28, 1950.

The couple moved to Waitsburg, Washington in1952 when Howard, an agent-telegrapher for the railroad, was transferred. Marian played the organ at the Waitsburg Presbyterian Church, and also played for weddings and funerals in the area. While there, two daughters, Ann and Jean, joined the family.

In March of 1960, the family moved to Dayton, Washington, where Howard became the depot agent. Marian became organist at the Methodist Church, started a junior choir for elementary children at the church, and continued playing for numerous weddings and funerals. She played for various community events, including theatrical productions and 4-H style shows. She taught piano and organ for many years, and had as many as 40 students during the school year.

Howard retired from the railroad in 1980, and the couple began taking short trips together. They enjoyed camping in their VW bus, with their favorite destination being the Cape Blanco area on the southern Oregon coast. They also enjoyed picking mushrooms and huckleberries in the Blue Mountains above Dayton, and Marian really looked forward to heading to the mountains each spring to see the wildflowers.

Marian made most of her family's clothes throughout the years. She canned dozens of jars of fruit each summer, and picked and froze produce from the family's garden. Always interested in gaining knowledge, she was a member of the American Association of University Women for several years. She was often involved in Bible study groups and was an activemember of the women's group at the church. For several years, Marian served as pianist for the Dayton Kiwanis Club. She also greatly enjoyed playing the piano for the residents of the local nursing home twice a month. She continued as organist of the church until June of 2014.

Howard passed away in July of 2014. Declining health caused Marian to enter a care facility in Richland that same month, where she made friends among the residents and caregivers and added a spark to their lives until her passing.

Marian is survived by her daughters, Ann (Larry) Sehmel and Jean Whipple; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on May 20, 2017 at the Dayton United Methodist Church. "Marian" will be playing the prelude, through recordings of an organ recital she gave at the church in 1988. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Dayton United Methodist Church (110 S. 3rd St., Dayton WA 99328) or the Christian Aid Center (PO Box 56, Walla Walla WA 99362).