Marilyn Joan (Duvall) Alexander, 85, of Pullman, passed away peacefully on Good Friday in the presence of her  husband of 62 years, Jack Alexander.

Marilyn was born March 23, 1936 to John "Bob" and Marguerite Duvall in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. She was the eldest of six siblings: Butch (Shirley) Duvall, Patricia (Alec) Clark, Gary  (Barbara) Duvall, Dale (Bonnie) Duvall, and Timothy (Ann) Duvall. She has multiple nieces and  nephews in the Belleville area.

Marilyn and Jack were married in 1958 in Belleville. They moved to Pullman, Washington in  1962. Jack and Marilyn raised 4 children: Kenneth (Michelle) Alexander of Orlando, Florida,  Tanya (Eric) Heidenreich of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Trina Tinder of Post Falls, Idaho, and Leslie  (Barrie) Robison of Pullman, Washington. They later welcomed 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. The family returned to Ontario frequently for summer holidays at "the cottage".

Marilyn was the ultimate hostess and lived a life that exemplified generosity and hospitality.  Over the years, she welcomed many new WSU faculty members and facilitated their transition  to Pullman. She served as the advisor to the WSU Veterinary Medicine Student Wive's  organization.

Marilyn loved to travel. She and Jack visited more than 20 countries with Jack's brother and  sister-in-law. They spent extensive time in Taiwan. She and Jack spent many winters in Florida.  She especially enjoyed cruising and celebrated both her 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries on  the ocean with family. In addition, she was an avid walker. She joined her friends regularly to  "walk and talk". She played bridge with long time friends and was actively involved in the  Pullman Historical Society. Marilyn belonged to the Pullman Baptist Church for several years, serving as the wedding coordinator. Most recently, she and Jack have been active members of  Community Congregational United Church of Christ.

In the words of a long-time family friend, "Marilyn was a good soul, a voice of reason and  common sense, a person always willing to lend an ear and be a moral compass. She will be  missed but not forgotten."

Her last few months were spent under the care of Hospice, Dr. Stephanie Fosback, and the staff  of Kimani's Adult Family Home. Marilyn was provided an environment of love and dignity for  which the family is appreciative.

A family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman, WA has been entrusted with arrangements.