Marilyn Louise Hargis
August 29, 1933 - April 29, 2025
Obituary
Marilyn Louise Hargis (née Gies), age 91, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, in Federal Way, Washington. A devoted mother, grandmother, and friend to many, Marilyn lived a life marked by creativity, hospitality, and unwavering love for her family and community.
Born on August 29, 1933, in Great Falls, Montana, Marilyn grew up with a deep appreciation for home and tradition—values that would shape her personal and professional life. She pursued her passion for domestic arts and education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from the State College of Washington in 1955. Her commitment to education continued with a Master of Arts in the Teaching of Home Economics in 1961. She taught Home Economics at East Wenachee High School, where she met her husband.
Marilyn married James Hargis on July 8, 1967, and together they built a warm and welcoming home. Though James preceded her in death, their legacy lives on through their children: Edward and his husband Justin; Kathleen and her husband Philip Schuyler; and granddaughters (and greatest pride) Ruby and Elizabeth. Marilyn also cherished her extended family of many nieces and nephews whose lives she touched deeply.
A lifelong Episcopalian, Marilyn was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church in Tigard, Oregon for over four decades. Her faith was not only a source of strength but also influenced how she served others—with grace, generosity, and joy.
Marilyn’s talents were as varied as they were impressive. She had a keen eye for textile design and an expert hand at sewing. Her kitchen was often filled with the comforting aromas of fresh-baked goods, as she made and decorated wedding cakes for many years, and created elaborate boxes of homemade candy for friends and family every Christmas. Entertaining was one of her greatest joys; guests always felt welcomed by her warmth and attention to detail.
Those who knew Marilyn remember her as welcoming, creative, hospitable, talented, and loving. Nothing brought her more pride than witnessing the accomplishments of not only of her own children and grandchildren, but also those of her nieces and nephews, friends, neighbors, and their children; all of whom she had some role in raising, consciously or not. Whether related by blood or bound by friendship or proximity, many considered themselves fortunate to have been shaped by her influence.
In addition to her husband James, Marilyn was preceded in death by her sisters Eleanor Kaake and Carol Corn.
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. A Memorial Service will be held on May 24, 2025, from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM at St. James Episcopal Church 11511 SW Bull Mountain Rd. Tigard, Oregon, 97224.
Due to her dedication to celebrating and fostering educational excellence, especially for young women, remembrances in her name may be made to PEO Foundation, 3700 Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50312. (www.peointernational.org)
Your devoted friends Carol & Gary