Marlene Rae Spann

Marlene Rae Spann, age 88, of Renton, WA, entered her eternal home with Christ on Sunday, June 22, after a long, brave battle with cancer. Born on June 16, 1937, in Caldwell, ID, she was the eldest of seven siblings.

Marlene was valedictorian of her class, member of the high school bowling team, softball team, and the majorette of the school marching band. Marlene held various jobs throughout her life. She excelled as an Administrative Assistant for the Idaho Department of Employment and later, as the Executive Assistant to the DA in Vale, OR. She redirected her career to reflect her growing faith, first as the Executive Assistant to a pastor in Nampa, ID, and later as a Children’s Director in Renton, WA, where she faithfully served for over two decades. You could always find her in the nursery, her face graced with a smile as she doted on babies or encouraged tired moms. Her big heart found and gave joy in serving families through the care of their children, positively impacting many lives with Christ’s love.

Her family will remember her devoted love and the enjoyment she had for sharing meals with them around very large tables. She was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s biggest fan. She never missed an opportunity to cheer them on at their school programs, dance recitals, and sporting events. As her health declined over the years, being a part of her grandchildren’s special life moments and enthusiastically welcoming each new great grandchild brought her profound happiness and joy. Marlene was, also, a lifelong Seattle Mariners fan. Possibly their #1 fan, rarely missing a game! She was an avid collector of their bobbleheads, team historian extraordinaire, and unrelenting believer that the team will win a championship someday.

Marlene is survived by her husband, Norman Spann, her five daughters; Terri (Roland) Doellefeld, Tracey (Mike) Doellefeld, Steffani (Dirk) Berdan, Brenda (Chris) Chance, and Nicole (Jerry) Hendrickson, ten grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren, and her siblings; Sharon Cash, Rickey Zink, Michael Zink, and Renee Stewart. She is preceded in death by her first husband, Kemp Smith, her parents Gail and Albina Zink, and her sisters Duree Allen and Vickie Fisk.

Marlene requests a private service for immediate family only and will be laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Renton, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the UW Medicine | Valley Medical Center Phase 1B & 2 Cancer Center Improvement Project to benefit South King County cancer patients (Valley Medical Center | Methods of Giving)

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