Our hearts are weeping. Our cherished mother, grandmother, and "grandma the great" passed away in the pre-dawn hours of Friday, March 15th, 2024.

When asked to describe her in just a few words, her many loved ones chose the same. She was loving and kind. She was bright, witty, and cheeky. Courageous, stubborn, and strong. She was also feisty, clever, and proud. She was always unconditionally devoted to her family and loved us fiercely with her whole heart. A woman of great faith, she was a devout, lifelong catholic who drew great strength and peace from her church and the lord above. Easily making friends from all walks of life and embracing friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

Marilyn was born in Spokane, WA on June 4th, 1937, to her loving parents, Don and Margaret Fry. She had one sibling, older brother Ron F. Fry. After attending school at Holy Names Academy, she went on to enroll at the State College of Washington (later to become WSU), where she studied education and received her teaching certificate. In the summer of 1958, she met her beloved husband, Ivan D. Clemons of Kettle Falls, WA, as they both counseled disabled children at Camp Easter Seal on Lake Coeur d'Alene as part of a summer school program through WSU. They graduated together from Washington State University the following year and were married in a ceremony at St. Augustine Catholic Church on July 25th, 1959. Marilyn and Ivan were married for 59 years, and together, they raised three daughters, Debra Green (Chuck), Deanna Cox (Dave), and Tammy Clemson (Tom), along with Ivan's three children Juanita, Chris, and Pam.

Marilyn was an active member of the Delta Gamma sorority in school and later of the Washington Education Association.  She taught school for more than 30 years. She loved camping, playing the piano, her cabin on Lake Thomas, collecting vintage toys, and, most of all, her family who did not leave her side during the two weeks prior to her passing away.  In this family, there was no shortage of love, kindness, compassion, strength, integrity, fortitude, playful pranks, and humor abound.

She was preceeded in death by her parents, brother, and loving husband Ivan. She is survived by her three daughters, their husbands, eight grandchildren, their spouses, and four great-grandchildren.

Go be with God, Mom. You were a special woman with true and unwavering faith in your heart. You have earned your place in heaven, and for that, we find some comfort.