Marie Stover

Published 12:57 am Saturday, September 27, 2014

June 7, 1926 – August 25, 2014Marie embraced life passionately. Admirably, she lived each day to the fullest, engaging family and friends from all walks of life in all of her adventures. She was a devoted wife, proud mother, and adoring grandmother. She and her husband, Bill, moved their family from the west coast to the east coast and back, and finally to the Dominican Republic as Bill was a batch plant foreman in the hydroelectric dam building era.Marie served as the family foundation for her children, Bill and Sue. Marie was particularly dear to her four grandchildren, Kelley, Will, Brett, and Pete. Grandma’s camp, croquet and remote control car racing in the sand at Cannon Beach and Christmas holidays at Grandma’s House created indelible memories for her grandchildren. “Gma” had that unique ability to make certain that each of her grandchildren knew that they owned a special place in her heart.Marie was an outstanding athlete and fiercely competitive. She was a collegiate tennis champion, softball captain, water and downhill skier, and golf enthusiast through her 88th birthday just last June. Queen of the golf course with 3 lifetime hole-in-ones, her consistent drives down the fairway and chips onto the green were her hallmarks but Marie’s magnetic personality drew golfers to her cart for snacks, conversation, and laughter at every hole. Always the opportunist, innovative and truly brilliant, this “Powerhouse of a Woman” as Marie was once referred, learned and mastered different trades from pea sorter, chemistry teacher, and locksmith to real estate listing analyzer, tax preparer, Goodie’s Chocolate “packer” and home security service provider. Marie’s work ethic was admirable and allowed her to be self-supporting throughout life, particularly after her husband Bill died at an early age. She was a life long learner; a University of Kansas graduate with a BA in Chemistry in just three years and the first in the family to engage all new technologies from the first Tandy 16 kb computer to the most recent iPhone and iPad. For those fortunate enough to call Marie “friend”, they were confident in a person who was fiercely loyal with a caring ear and joyous laugh. For those fortunate enough to call Marie “neighbor”, they were blessed with the “Matriarch of the Neighborhood” providing everyone with snow removal in the winters, a watchful eye year round, and the knowledge to advise on repairing just about anything that needed attention. In return, Marie’s life was filled with many friends and neighbors that cared for and respected her as well.Marie lived a life most of us aspire to: one filled with ceaseless adventure, loving family, supportive friends, and of course, chocolate. Marie passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her children. Marie is survived by two children and four grandchildren – left to follow their own passions and pursuits, fueled by her memory and love. “Gma” is dearly missed and loved by her family. The family is honoring Marie’s request for no service, and will be gathering privately to celebrate her life.