Marilyn Kay (Smith) Lowe

Marilyn K. Lowe, 70, of Ellensburg, unexpectedly passed away peacefully at home on Monday, December 7, 2020.  Viewing for family and friends will be Wednesday, December 16, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Johnston & Williams Funeral Home in Ellensburg.  A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home on Thursday, December 17, 2020, with a livestream available starting at 10:55 a.m. at www.johnston-williams.com

Marilyn was born on December 17, 1949 in Glendale, California, the second of three daughters born to Harold & Mary-Jane (Beasland) Smith.  She grew up in the San Fernando Valley and spent many summers camping with her parents and sisters visiting national parks. She graduated from James Monroe High School in Sepulveda, California in 1968.  While growing up, Marilyn was a member of Girl Scouts, Drill Team, and participated in Judo classes.

Following her graduation from high school, Marilyn attended Los Angeles Valley College before transferring to Washington State University in Pullman where she was a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority and earned her bachelor’s degree of Home Economics in 1972. She returned to California following her graduation and worked for the Xerox Corporation.

On November 24,1973, Marilyn was married in Van Nuys, CA to Bill Lowe, a teacher and farmer from Ellensburg, whom she had met at a fraternity-sorority function while attending WSU.  Following their marriage, they made their home in the Kittitas Valley where they welcomed three children to the family – Jodi, Stayce, and Sean.  Bill and Marilyn divorced in 2009.

After the children were raised, Marilyn worked at The Stenciled Goose, UPS, WSECU, and finished her working years at Central Washington University as a Sr. Secretary in Business Administration for The College of Business. During her life she was involved in a number of social clubs including: Rigadoon Dance Club, the Cowbelles (now the Kittitas County Cattlewomen), Arvida Club, WSU Master Food Preservers, Sewing Group, Daughters of the American Revolution, 4-H, Prayer Quilt Ministry, Church, Bible Study, and Birthday Group.

Marilyn was very inquisitive, if an appliance, piece of furniture, or article of clothing was damaged she would take it apart and repair it. She enjoyed cooking out of her garden and wandering the woods with friends in search of berries. She would pick her kids up on the last day of school every year to head off for their annual camping trip.

In recent years, Marilyn enjoyed renovating and remodeling properties. She also enjoyed traveling, taking trips to Italy, Germany, Jordan, and Israel. However, the ultimate joy in her life was spending time with her grandkids.

Marilyn will be remembered most for showing her love through her humble and generous actions.

Marilyn is survived by her daughters, Jodi (Andrew) Polak and Stayce (Blake) Hale, and her son, Sean (KayCee) Lowe, all of Ellensburg; sisters Pamela Sealy of Kittitas and Claire Smith of San Jose, CA; grandchildren Parker, Payson, Teghan and Taylor, as well as her former husband Bill Lowe. She was preceded in death by her parents

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Marilyn’s family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com

PLEASE NOTE: (January 11, 2024) -- The recording of this service, and the tribute video that was prepared for the service, have been archived and removed from our server.  If you wish to obtain a copy of the service recording or tribute video on a thumb drive, please contact our office.