Marlene Marie Keith, of Quincy, Washington, died Oct. 17, 2025, at the age of 88, reuniting in heaven with the love of her life.
Marlene was born in Centralia, Washington, in 1937 to Thomas and Bessie Hawes. She grew up in southwest Washington, attended Eatonville High School, and later moved to the Tacoma area, where she met and eventually married her soulmate, Arvid Keith.
Marlene and Arvid were married March 25, 1961, and began their life together in Spanaway, Washington. In 1976, they purchased their dream home on 150 acres in Onalaska, where they spent the rest of their years raising their family—along with hundreds of horses, cows, sheep, chickens, pigs and assorted other farm animals.
A wonderful homemaker, Marlene loved collecting antiques, restoring old furniture, tending a massive vegetable garden and maintaining a yard full of roses and other beautiful flowers. She managed all this while raising a family and supporting Arvid in his small-town general contracting business.
Marlene and Arvid never passed up a garage sale. They attended church services together every Sunday morning and evening, loved spending time with family and friends, and were completely devoted to each other and their children.
In her later years, Marlene lived in Quincy, Washington, where she enjoyed visiting and reuniting with her siblings, chatting on the phone with old friends and family, and sharing stories of a life well lived.
Marlene was preceded in death by her husband, Arvid, in June 1990; and by her sons, Matthew (April 2014) and Lemuel (October 2007). She is survived by her son Benjamin, of Pasco, Washington; daughter Jonna, of Phoenix, Arizona; sister Luann Allison, of Saluda, South Carolina; sister Nancy Albright, of West Richland, Washington; brother Benjamin Hawes, of Quincy, Washington; sister Donna Pelham, of Marlin, Washington; and dozens of cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Marlene will always be remembered for her love and care for family and friends, her devotion to her husband, and her steadfast commitment to living a strong Christian life.
She will be laid to rest next to Arvid at Alpha Cemetery in Onalaska in the spring of 2026.
Please share thoughts and memories for the family at www.scharbachs.com.
