Marlene Ann (Becker) Ryan was born on Bald Butte in Colton, Washington, on April 16, 1935, to Michael and Margaret (Moser) Becker, and passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 19, 2025. She was the youngest of 12 and had 13 cousins across the road at Uncle Johnny's.  Marlene attended St. Gall's Catholic School and Church (built by her granddad and his brothers).  She struggled to write right-handed and spent a lot of time in trouble with the nuns.  She admitted to carving her initials in a pew, so if you get bored during Mass, check your seat.

Marlene graduated as Salutatorian from Colton High School in 1953, and Jack Ryan, a friend of her older brothers, became her husband on February 22, 1954.  There was no honeymoon, and with Jack, came 10 hired men in the bunkhouse to feed and care for. She managed to keep a spotless house, a huge garden, an orchard and a big yard, and canned or froze everything.  When Gary and Jacki were born, she enlisted the help of nieces (more like sisters) Geri and Renae, to cook for large hay and harvest crews. She never had a dishwasher, but the water was hot, and she had 5 dish dryers.

Marlene was an active parent, grandma and grammie.  She was a 4-H and FFA mom, club leader, barn superintendent, royalty travel chaperone and lead cheerleader at fairs and sporting events.  So many of her kids' friends ate her food and crashed on her floor; yet somehow, she kept her sense of humor.  Marlene always had room at the table for anyone that was hungry.  Known as Grandma or Grammie depending on the generation, she was so proud of all 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. She valued spending time with them in her kitchen and garden when they were little.  As they grew older, she supported their church plays, sports, 4H and FFA projects, and academic achievements. She was happy to let everyone around her know they were hers.  Most of all, she loved each of them with her whole heart.

Marlene loved supporting youth at county fairs, attending rodeos and spending holidays with family and friends.  She never missed a Johnson 4th of July parade, followed by Becker family potlucks and enjoyed being a member of Union Flat Women's Community Club. After her kids were grown, Marlene took temporary employment at WSU enrolling students, helped at Slusher's Nursery and Pat's Garden, and joined the Palouse Country Cowboy Poets Association.  She loved dollhouses and painstakingly put together a Victorian that she displayed for many years. She made wine out of just about anything, mostly dandelions, because they were always available. The omnipresent green cup made many trips to the cellar to test wine before holiday dinners and Marlene's grandkids make sure to continue the tradition.  She was so appreciative of the many nieces and nephews who took the time to call her each week, stopped in for a visit, and even took her to plays and musicals.  She especially enjoyed seeing The Sound of Music in an amphitheater in the forest of Leavenworth.

A lifelong member of the Catholic church, Marlene attended masses at Colton, Pullman, and Colfax.  She was dedicated to decorating graves and listening to the church bells every Memorial Day. Marlene and Jack were married 58 years and while visiting his grave, she told him she would see him soon. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack, their siblings, and her parents. She is survived by her children Gary Ryan(Sharon), Jacki Pearce(Chet), Les Ryan(Laurie), Bill Ryan(Ruth), and Kelly Ryan. Grandchildren Greg Ryan(Krista), Doug Ryan(Melissa) and Karla Ryan(Richard Bonfils); Hailey Wolff(Colin) and Cory Pearce(Jacci); Amanda Grimm, and Ben Grimm(Christian); Sarah Ryan(Travis Stansbury), Laura Appel(Pete), and Mark Ryan(Morgon); Jessie Wilson(Dakota), 13 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Rosary will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, October 3, 2025 at St. Gall Catholic Church in Colton, WA.  A celebration of life Funeral Mass will begin at 11 am, followed by lunch at the Colton Gun Club.   Marlene will be laid to rest at St. Gall Cemetery.  Corbeill Funeral Home of Pullman, WA has been entrusted with arrangements.  Donations may be made to Whitman County Fire Districts 12 or 14, St. Gall's Catholic School, or the charity of your choice.