Marilyn R. Coombs, 87, passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 30, 2019. She was born in Aberdeen, Washington at Aberdeen General Hospital on (she reported it as) “24 March, 1932”. Her parents were Thomas Coombs and Ruth (Cuzick) Coombs. In her younger years she lived in Hoquiam and attended Hoquiam Schools, where she enjoyed playing basketball and softball, graduating high school in 1950.
After graduation Marilyn attended St. Peters Nursing Program in Olympia, receiving a bachelor of science degree in nursing in 1953. She returned to the Harbor and worked at the old Community Hospital for four years before enlisting in the Air Force in 1957. She never planned to stay in the service for 20 years, but the Air Force agreed with her and gave her a chance to see some of the world. During her 20 years career she completed flight nurse training and tropical survival school. She and one other nurse were the first women to go through the survival course. She noted it was quite an experience and would say, “What you caught, you ate!”
During her military career she was stationed in Mississippi, Alabama, Oregon, North Carolina, Ohio, Alaska, Texas, Washington, Germany, Vietnam, Dominican Republic and Japan retiring in 1977, as a nursing administrator with the rank of Colonel. She was awarded the Bronze Star for distinguished and meritorious service while serving in the Republic of Vietnam. She also received the Air Force Commendation Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) while serving as Charge Nurse at Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington.
Upon returning to the Harbor again, she purchased a home in Brady where she and her mom lived for several years. There she enjoyed gardening, had rabbits, ducks, cats and dogs for pets. She liked to go fishing and clam digging. In retirement Marilyn was always available to help family, friends and neighbors regardless what was needed.
One of her most memorable moments as a young girl was when President Roosevelt came through Hoquiam to see the Olympic National Forest. She wanted to see his dog, but it stayed with President Roosevelt’s wife. It still turned out to be quite an experience.
Marilyn will always be remembered for her compassion during the war for those wounded and her willingness, at all times, to help others to the best of her ability.
Her parents and brother, Thomas J. Coombs, and aunt, Margaret Patteson; cousins, Lois Enstrom and Gloria Zubich, and we can’t forget her beloved dachshund, Princess II, predeceased her. Marilyn’s closest surviving relatives are nephew, Charles Coombs (Margie) in Texas, grandnieces, Karyn Engle (Ezra), Connie Buckley both in California; cousins, Mark Lubich and Alan Lubich (Jo) and her very good friends, Allan and Barbara Shores and Nancy Carlberg all in Washington. Memorials in honor of Marilyn are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Food for the Poor, Paws or a charity of your choice.
An open house to share memories and events will take place Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, from 2- 4 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church parish hall, 2525 Sumner Avenue, Aberdeen.
Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam. Please take a few moments of your time to record your comments for the family by signing the online register at www.colemanmortuary.net.
