Marva Jo Vance

October 15, 1942 – June 20, 2017

Marva Jo Vance, 74, suddenly passed away on June 20, 2017 at her residence in Ephrata, Wash. with her husband by her side.

Marva lived a life of simple generosity and fierce love toward those that she cared for and will be dearly missed.

Marva was born on Oct. 15, 1942 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho to Donald and Winona Hill.

Marva met her friend and love of her life, Michael “Mike” Vance and they were married in 1968. They would go on to share nearly 50 years of marriage with most of that time spent in Ephrata.

Marva worked for the Ephrata School District for 20 years as a bus driver. Upon retiring, Marva, husband Mike and their four-legged companions spent a few years chasing warmer weather in Arizona and then eventually settled back into their Ephrata residence. In her retirement, Marva spent countless hours creating pieces of jewelry and quilts. She became known as the devout “queen quilter” by her weekly quilting club. Marva enjoyed creating pieces of art that now serve as reminders of her care and kindness.

Those who knew Marva will remember that she never held back from offering an opinion or position, regardless of the issue or persons in the room. She was stubborn and firm at times, and made no apologies for who she was. This refreshingly rugged exterior was contrasted by a person that also expressed big-hearted love and devotion through her quilts, jewelry, and baked goods. Always generous with ingredients like butter, sugar and cream, her baked treats were a reminder that she stood ever-ready to feed anyone who was hungry and not concerned with weight loss.

The handmade items that Marva gifted to others are unique expressions of how she saw the world and those within it. Each person to receive a quilt from Marva was always told that it was her way of giving the recipient a hug each time they wrapped it around themselves. Marva’s kitchen will certainly be a bit quieter with her passing and our bellies a bit leaner without her carrot cakes and brownies. She will be missed and forever loved by the patchwork of friends and family she leaves behind.

Marva is survived by her husband Mike and her four-legged companions Murphy and Molly. She was preceded in death by her father Donald Hill and her mother Winona.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 1 at 2 p.m. at Bethlehem Chapel Assembly of God Church in Ephrata, Wash. located at 612 Third Ave. SE.

Arrangements are being handled by Keyser’s Chapel of Memories of Moses Lake, Wash.