**Marcia Ruth Lathrop, 74, Beloved Educator, Devoted Wife and Mother**
Marcia Ruth Lathrop, 74, of Spokane, Washington, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on September 1, 2025, two days after celebrating her 56th wedding anniversary to Elmer (Clair) Lathrop, after a long, courageous journey with Alzheimer's disease. Marcia was born October 27th, 1950, to Charles and Louise Weiland in Enumclaw, WA and grew into a woman of deep faith, high intelligence, unshakable determination, and generous love—traits she carried throughout her life and lovingly shared with all who knew her.

After years of abuse, she was "rescued", and placed in foster care in Bridgeport, Washington . While there in Junior High, Marcia received God's offer of Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ as a result of the ministry of Marilyn Peters (Mason), daughter of Pastor Harley and Doris Peters. Doris' discipleship provided instruction, spiritual growth and a pattern of family. Marilyn became a lifelong sister in Christ and friend. Discipled and taught, Marcia's devotion to Jesus Christ grew to be the guiding light of her life.

Her formation in life and education continued, more distinctly, while under the foster care of Beverly Levi, her husband, Henry, and family, from Snohomish, Washington. Through the Peters and Levi families, especially, Marcia developed a strong sense of purpose, belonging, and direction.

Married to Clair on August 30, 1969, she eventually saw God fulfill her calling of being a minister's wife and became a steadfast partner, fulfilling almost all of her married years in ministry, serving as a missionary in Washington and Oregon, helping to lead or leading Bible Camps, Vacation Bible Schools, released-time classes, and teaching in a residential, Christian school for troubled youth. Short-term missions took her to Guayaquil, Ecuador; several trips to Malawi, Africa; and London, England. Her work in youth ministries touched many young lives, providing guidance, encouragement, and an abiding example of faith in action. Finally, she served with Clair in churches in Illinois for 18 years, and the last 7 years at Five Mile Community Church in Spokane, Washington.

Family was her greatest joy. Marcia is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Clair, and her three sons who were the pride of her heart: Bryce Eric Lathrop, Dakota and Madison; Ryan (Sarah) Andrew Lathrop, Eli, Claire, Oliver, and Charlotte; and Kyle (Serina) Matthew Lathrop, John Geames, Spencer Geames, Serina Geames Hardy, Andrew, and Erica. Deeply convinced of her own inadequacies, her prayer journals record her constant, confession and inner desire to be a loving mother and cornerstone whose support and prayers might shape her family's foundation.

A lifelong lover of learning, Marcia distinguished herself academically at every level— at the top tier of her high school class, in college achieving her Bachelor's with a double major, Summa Cum Laude and Salutatorian. She became fluent in the American Sign Language. She ultimately received her Master's degree in Education. She taught at every grade level, except kindergarten. She finished her teaching career by teaching for eight years as an adjunct professor at Clinton Community College in Clinton, Iowa. Her calling as an educator was more than a profession; it was a ministry through which she shaped young minds and nurtured countless students with patience, wisdom, and compassion. When not in the classroom or the Church, Marcia found peace and creativity in her hobbies.

She was a masterful knitter and cross stitcher, imbuing each project with care and devotion winning blue ribbons at county fairs—leaving behind cherished pieces that will remain treasures to her loved ones. She wrote her life testimony in her self-published book "Finding the Key" and her contribution to Moody Publishing's anthology by Margaret Sweeny, "Pearl Girls." Ruth of the Bible became Marcia's pattern of breaking away from her past into dedication to God through her undying trust and devotion to His Son, Jesus Christ, her husband, and the direction of a godly life, "Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee; for whither thou goest, I will go, and where thou lodgest, I will lodge. Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God." Ruth 1:16. On August 30, 1999, Clair and Marcia's 30th anniversary, she officially changed her middle name to "Ruth" to commemorate her own journey toward a life committed to her One and Only True God; leaving the past behind.

We give thanks for the gift of Marcia's life, her legacy of faith, and the love she so freely gave. A celebration of Marcia's life will be September 27th at 1:30pm at Five Mile Community Church, 1915 N Johannsen Rd, Spokane, WA 99208.

A second celebration is scheduled on October 18th at 12:00pm at Lanark First Brethren Church, 305 East Locust St, Lanark, Illinois 61046

All are invited and welcome to join in honoring her memory.