Obituary

Marie Ida Linker: A Life Remembered

Marie Ida Linker, beloved lifelong resident of Whatcom County, passed away on August 17, 2023, at the age of 106. She was born on April 11, 1917, to Walter and Ida Manthey, and her journey through life was a story of devotion, love, and the resilience of a remarkable woman.

Marie grew up alongside her siblings, brother Roy Manthey and sisters Florence Bowman and Evelyn Pine, in the picturesque landscapes of Whatcom County, and graduated from Ferndale High School.

On April 8, 1939, Marie’s life took a turn when she married Arthur “Art” L. Linker, her partner in all life’s endeavors. Together, they raised thoroughbred horses, a passion they nurtured with love and expertise. Marie’s connection to the horses reflected her nurturing spirit, and she took pride in caring for them at home and cheering them on at races, sharing in their triumphs and challenges.

Marie also dedicated 30 years of her professional life to Georgia Pacific, where her hard work and dedication left an indelible mark.

Marie and Art’s shared joys extended to the great outdoors, where they enjoyed horseback riding and fishing adventures until Art’s passing on August 25, 2000. Marie resided at the same home from 1948 to 2019, and in her later years, moved to Christian Health Care Center in Lynden.

Marie’s memory lives on in the hearts of her sister, Evelyn Pine of Newville, PA; nieces Harriet Nelson of Edmonds, WA, and Linda (Neal) McCulloch of Newville, PA; and nephew Jerry (Joyce) Manthey of Bellingham, WA, along with numerous other extended family members. She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Ida Manthey, as well as her brother Roy Manthey and sister Florence Bowman.

We bid farewell to this extraordinary woman and the lasting mark she leaves on the tapestry of Whatcom County’s history. We honor her life’s journey of truly living.

A Memorial Service, Graveside Service, and Reception will be held for Marie starting at 2:00pm on Tuesday, August 22nd in Greenacres Memorial Park and Chapel, 5700 Northwest Drive, Ferndale, WA 98248.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Christian Health Care Center Foundation.