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Marlene Carol Ahmann died peacefully on May 5, 2024, in Centralia at the age of 88. She was born on Aug. 18, 1935 in Iron Mountain, Michigan, to Jalmar and Catherine Bjorkman. The family moved to Sequim, Washington where she spent her childhood, giving her a life-long love of the beach. 

She met Cornelius (Con) Ahmann in Sequim and they dated while at Washington State University. They married in the summer of 1955 and spent their early years in various places across the state while Con managed dairies and began his teaching career. The family eventually settled in Onalaska where Con taught at the high-school and Marlene managed a busy household of ultimately ten. After nearly 15 years they returned to dairying on a farm in the Dillenbaugh Valley of Chehalis. After retiring from farming they built a home on a hilltop overlooking the valley, where Marlene would fondly comment that they spent the best years of their life. 

Marlene was an artist from an early age. She received her first set of watercolors at age nine  from an uncle who was also an artist.  Paper was scarce and she told of saving scraps of butcher paper for drawing.  After her children were grown, she developed her talent, winning numerous awards and eventually teaching others, including her grandchildren. Her eyes would light up whenever a child brought her a piece of their art. She gave words of encouragement, gently coaching older children, telling them what was done well and where they could improve. Then she would give them a quick squeeze and tell them she loved them.  She cultivated gardens of roses and flowers everywhere she lived, but her greatest talent was bringing beauty indoors with her paintings.  Her paintings were noted for their vibrant colors, atmospheric effects, and a sense of peace.

Her life was centered on her faith, her husband, her family and friends. She welcomed everyone to her warm and busy kitchen where she was “Nonnie” to her grandkids and “Mom” to everyone else. Working with Lewis County authorities, Marlene and Con opened their Dillenbaugh home to many in need of emergency shelter. While Dad provided guidance, it was Mom with her homemade bread, warm soup, and a listening ear who made people feel safe. When called, she didn’t hesitate to pack up and head to where she was needed, regardless of previous plans.  

She was a loving and proud grandmother, always ready to look at the little treasures children and grandchildren brought to her, whether a pretty rock or the remnants of a song-bird shell.  Her refrigerator and kitchen walls became an ever-changing collage of pictures, letters and mementos from friends and family.  Each token had a story she’d tell to the many people who came to see her kitchen as a second home.  All the grandchildren looked forward to seeing the old motorhome coming because it meant Nonnie and Poppie were there. 

Marlene was devoted to her husband Con. They were constant and loving companions, traveling, dancing, and arguing over Scrabble together. They sang in the church choir, traveled and made pilgrimages to Medjugorje, and most importantly, raised eight children together. Their love and dedication to each other provided the anchor by which their family continues to grow and thrive. 

Marlene was a woman of unwavering faith with a special devotion to our Lady and the Eucharist who attended daily Mass whenever possible. She was an active member of both St. Francis Parish, Toledo Washington, and St. Joseph’s, Chehalis, Washington, but it was her every day, consistent weaving of faith with ordinary life that stood out. Her faith was expressed in her art as well through the beautiful rosaries she made. Her hand-painted tiles of the Stations of the Cross adorn the Shrine of Divine Mercy located in Mossyrock.

Marlene will be remembered for her art and her faith, but those who knew her also saw her mischievous side, how her eyes sparkled when she won at a game, her love of travel and the ocean, her quick bright smile, her affection for children, and the joy she took in the beauty of creation. 

Marlene is survived by her children and their spouses: Jerry Merrier, Constance and Karl Ege, John and Shelia Ahmann, Joe and Bobbi Ahmann, Steve and Laurie Ahmann, Martin and Audrey Ahmann, Paul and Tommi Sue Ahmann, and Brennan Ahmann. Also surviving Marlene is her devoted sister Beatrice Sherman, several in-laws, and 75 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Cornelius, daughter Catherine Merrier, and granddaughter Cassie Ahmann.

The rosary for Marlene will be at 10:00 a.m. on May 24 followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m.  at St. Francis Church, 139 Spencer Rd, Toledo, WA, with Rev. Milhton Scarpetta officiating. She will be laid to rest in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Joseph’s School in Chehalis or to St. Vincent De Paul of Toledo. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Cathy Sturgeon who helped Mom so much over the past few years and to the caring staff at Sharon Care Center who became a second family to Marlene.