Marlene Jean Girard

Marlene Girard

YAKIMA, WA – Marlene Jean Girard (Rukkila), 78, of Yakima, Washington passed away at home on July 4, 2019, peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by family. Marlene was born in Trenary, Michigan on January 24, 1941. She moved to Washington in the mid-50s and graduated from R.A. Long High School in Longview in 1959. She married her husband of 53 years, Thomas L. Girard, Sr., in 1961 in Kelso, WA. Most of her happy years were spent there where she lived and raised her family until she moved to Yakima in recent years. Marlene was a proud Finn who was glad to say that she grew up in a hand-built log cabin in Michigan. She loved to say how she and her 7 brothers and sisters shared one room and made their own Halloween costumes. Marlene had a kind heart and a loving soul, but was also tough as nails. Even through medical challenges, she never stopped doing whatever she wanted. She always wore a smile on her face and was always ready for a good laugh that left her with tears rolling down her cheeks. Her laughter was infectious and was a gift that she passed on to her children. Marlene loved looking good and could always be found with a great haircut and dressed to impress. She loved her family dearly and proved that by never missing the birth of her grandchildren, birthday parties, holiday get togethers, sporting events, keeping an immaculate house, and by never failing to cook a home cooked meal. Marlene was a lifelong viewer of Young and the Restless and Days of Our Lives. She enjoyed country music and her favorites were The Kendalls, Patsy Cline, Alan Jackson, and Willie Nelson. In her earlier years, she enjoyed making dresses for her daughters, adored crocheting and supporting Kelso Little League, Babe Ruth and girls’ softball programs. She was also a member of the Kelso Elks Lodge and the American Legion where she spent time with her husband and friends.