Marla Marie Collison, 60, Olympia resident and former real estate agent, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at her home in Olympia, Washington.

Marla was born on July 15, 1963, to parents Lyle and Avagaline (Peterka) Collison in Richland, Washington. Marla lived in the Bear Gulch area of Aberdeen with her parents and 2 brothers. She graduated from JM Weatherwax Aberdeen High School in 1980.

In 1982, Marla joined the Army, where she was stationed in Germany. She was discharged from the military in 1986. Marla moved to Olympia, and started college. She began with The Evergreen State College then went on to obtain her bachelor’s degree in business with St. Martin’s University.

After school, Marla came back to the Harbor, working as an insurance agent with State Farm insurance in Montesano. She obtained her real estate license and began working as a real estate agent for many years. She purchased her forever home in Olympia in 2003, and started volunteering with the HOA development.

A few years ago, Marla also began volunteering with the Lacey Lions Club, and later became a member. Marla loved to volunteer, working with veterans at the Lions Club, helping children thrive with the HOA development, and working with a South African orphanage through the TAASA organization. She had planned a trip to finally meet the children of the orphanage in September 2024. She enjoyed cooking and baking. Famous for her apple pies, and sending them to all her friends and neighbors. She loved to travel, traveling all throughout Germany and Canada. Marla was a free loving spirit. She will surely be missed and forever loved.

Marla is preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Avagaline Collison and brother, Joseph Collison.

Marla is survived by brother, Robert Collison of Hoquiam, Washington; nephews: David (Jessica) Collison of Yelm, Washington; Joseph Collison of Olympia, Washington; Kyle Collison of Aberdeen, Washington; Aaron Gilliam of Post Falls, Idaho; Craig Collison of Aberdeen, Washington and Michael Marshall of Manhattan, New York; niece, Jillian Hagan of Aberdeen, Washington; 9 great-nephews; and 2 great-great nephews; and many other family and friends.

Services are being planned and will be announced at a later date. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.