Marlene F. Wiitala

Marlene Frances Wiitala passed away on Friday, November 8, 2019, at Columbia Memorial Hospital.

Marlene was born September 21, 1934 in Astoria, Oregon. She was the first child of Charles and Ellen Wirkkala. She grew up with her parents, sister, and brother in Deep River, Washington. Marlene graduated from Naselle High School in 1951 and from Lower Columbia College in Longview in 1953. After college she worked at Cowlitz County Title Company in Longview.

Marlene married Donald Wiitala on April 14, 1956, and they moved to Astoria, Oregon. She worked at the Unemployment Office until they moved to Deep River, Washington. Marlene took the position of Deep River Postmaster. Following this she taught kindergarten for two years in Rosburg, Washington. In 1962 they moved to Naselle, Washington where their three children grew up. She worked at the Naselle Post Office until she eventually became the financial manager for Don Wiitala Trucking and for the Christmas tree farm that they developed on their property.

Marlene is survived by her caring husband of 63 years, Donald, daughter Marilyn and Robert Ittes, son Dale and Andrea Wiitala, daughter Michelle and Stuart Roy, grandchildren Marlyssa, Monica, Blake, Brooke, great grand-daughter Makenna, sister Jeane Moksness from Longview, brother Ken Wirkkala from Grays River, and her nieces and nephews.

Marlene enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening, and making Christmas wreaths. She loved socializing with family and friends. She was very close to and proud of all her grandchildren and great granddaughter. She will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, please support the Naselle Fire Department and Ambulance.

A celebration of life will be planned at a future date. Until then please raise a glass in her honor.

Her guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.