Obituary of Marilyn Secrest

Our incredible mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother Marilyn Secrest passed away, surrounded by family, on October 20, 2022 at the age of 89. She leaves a huge hole in our lives and hearts and we will miss her greatly.

Marilyn was born to Raymond and Ruth Green in Chicago, Illinois in December of 1932. She was raised on the south side of Chicago and graduated as an honor student from Lindblom Technical High School. She attended Illinois Institute of Technology and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with minors in Biology and Chemistry. She married Frank Secrest in 1957, had her three children, and began her long career in education by teaching elementary school. The family moved to Federal Way, WA (and then Puyallup) in the late sixties. Marilyn continued her career through the move, eventually switching to teaching college business courses and working in college administration.

After retirement, Marilyn volunteered with Good Samaritan Behavioral Health planning activities for adults with disabilities. She was also an active volunteer for and beloved member of Celebration Lutheran Church.

Bammy, as she was known to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was an avid reader, loved history and correct grammar, and enjoyed spending time in the happy chaos of family get-togethers.

She is survived by her daughter, Lorrie (Ernest) Hutt; daughter Judy (John) Black; grandchildren Amy (Evan) Query, Brian (Athena) Hutt, Caitlin (James) Hutt-Martindale, Erik (Shelby) Black, Abby (Christopher) Covillo, and Cory (Jeff) Kennedy; and seven great-grandchildren, Atticus, Luke, Hermione, Honora, Ben, Juniper, and Owen. She was preceded in death by her parents and son, William Secrest.

Marilyn loved the green forests of western Washington. In lieu of flowers, please consider clicking the link to have a tree planted in her honor.  

We will be having a small graveside service in her memory.