Marilyn A. Dexter
December 31, 1922 – October 24, 2016
Marilyn A. McCollum Dexter passed peacefully in her home Oct. 24, 2016. She enjoyed a very rich life as a wife, mother, teacher, and real estate investor. Marilyn was born Dec. 31, 1922, the daughter of Lee and Ora McCollum in Violet Hill, Ark. She was raised in the area and graduated from high school in 1940. Upon graduation she was fortune enough to attend Arkansas College until moving to Wenatchee, Wash. with her parents who were migrant fruit workers. While attending a dance at the local Elks Club she met her lifelong mate, Mervin A. Dexter and they married in 1945. Once married they made a home in Rock Island, Wash. and not only raised apples on a 10-acre orchard, but brought four children, three sons and one daughter, into this world.
In 1965, Mervin was transferred to Darigold Dairy in Moses Lake and Marilyn’s lifelong dream of becoming a business teacher led her to enroll at Big Bend Community College. She continued her studies at Central Washington University receiving a Bachelor of Arts, Master’s Degree and Principal Credentials and was able to begin a wonderful career “teaching Moses Lake how to type” extending 25 years. She loved her students as well as teaching and often said “she was chasing ignorance away.” Yet even while pursuing this career she continued being a faithful wife and loving mother. She loved to bake delicious pies with her favorite being apple. Often she would wake early to bake two pies prior to going to church for a family potluck following the service. She continued her pie baking even in later years while wintering in Yuma, Arizona where friends and family enjoyed her famous lemon meringue pie. Her southern hospitality was so appreciated as she entertained family and friends for large gatherings in her home.
On a more personal note, besides her unconditional love for her children, Marilyn loved reading, garage sales (always having an eye out for good books), investing in fixer-upper houses and giving them new life as rental investments. She was never one to shy away from hard work. She faithfully attended the Assembly of God Church in Moses Lake.
Marilyn loved and lived her faith. She delighted in her Lord and his love offering of the “free gift” of salvation. Her faith fostered her extremely optimistic and positive attitude. She firmly believed that according to the Bible, she could do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthened her. She would say “I believe that there is no use in suffering before bad things happen so I look at the world through rose-colored glasses and enjoy all things. Then if things don’t turn out beautiful I will deal with it at that time.”
Marilyn is survived by her husband, Mervin of 71 years and children Forrest (Debra) Dexter of Veradale, Wash., Dennis (Lori) Dexter of East Wenatchee, Karene “Kerri” (Dennis) Richins and Kris (Teresa) Dexter all of Moses Lake. She also was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Also surviving her are a sister, Lanelle McCollum (Allan), St. George, Utah and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed.
With the faithful assistance of family and private caregivers she was given the gift of remaining happily in her home with Mervin until her passing. This in-home care journey was with the support of Valentina, Lydumyla, Jina, Inna, Marianna, Angela, Dennis Dexter, Dennis Richins and Ryan Richins. And a special thank you to Assured Hospice for their service. The family is forever grateful for their help.
Memorial donations may be made to Moses Lake High School, Business Education Department, 803 E Sharon Avenue, Moses Lake, WA 98837.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, at the Assembly of God Church, 431 E Brown Ave., Moses Lake. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory.