Obituary

In Loving Memory of Marley Ann Koll (Marley Ann Ethier} Beloved Mother, Wife, Grandmother, Sister, and Friend

Marley Ann (M.A) passed away peacefully at home in Ferndale, Washington, on April 2, 2025. Marley Ann, age 80, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 29th, 1944. In her last eight years, Marley Ann faced dementia with strength, resilience, humor, and patience. The love and support of family and friends made her last few years as enjoyable as possible.

As a devoted wife, her 58-year marriage to Bob was marked by devotion and a partnership that served as a model of love and loyalty to all who knew them. Her children knew her as a protector, a gentle listener, and a source of wisdom. She offered comfort, guidance, and unwavering love. Nothing brought her more joy than being “Gaga” to her four ‘grands’. As the eldest of six children, she was the foundation of her family. She led with energy and competence. She offered guidance, protection, and acted as ‘second mom’ to her siblings, particularly in their childhood years. She was a loyal friend to many and made herself available and ready to help whenever needed.

M.A. graduated from Lake Washington High School in 1963 and from the University of Washington in 1967. As a Registered Nurse, she spent her 30+ year nursing career in emergency medicine as an ER staff nurse, charge nurse, and clinical manager. “MAK” (her ER nickname) loved emergency medicine. Her leadership, empathy, and expertise made a lasting impact on both patients and colleagues. In retirement, she worked as a volunteer/advocate at DVSAS in Whatcom County.

Outside of her professional life, M.A. led a full life. She was a former soccer player, skier, and traveler. She loved reading, listening to music, tending her garden, collecting antiques, crafting hand-made keep-sake boxes, creating collages of various media, and collecting rocks.

Marley Ann’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and resilience. She leaves behind a home and family who adore her. It is the home we all use as the center for our family gatherings. Her eggs Benny, her soups, her chicken salad, or, simply, an open fridge, helped us make the memories we remember now and in the future.

Marley Ann is survived by her husband, Bob, son, Jeff Koll, daughter, Jaime Miller. grandchildren, Lily Koll, Julien Koll, Savannah Miller, Nora Miller, siblings Chip Ethier, Michele Anderson and Jaime Wick.

Marley Ann was, and always will be, deeply loved.

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Gather, Share, and Enjoy a light lunch with us

Saturday May 10, 2025, 1:00-3:30

Kirkland Women’s Club

407 1st Street

Kirkland, WA 98033

RSVP to Jaime Miller 425-941-3165

In lieu of flowers, we, the family, invite you to honor her by planting something beautiful or simply spending time with the people you love.

Donations can also be made to: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County www.dvsas.org Whatcom County. 1407 Commercial Street, Bellingham WA 98225.