Marilyn Jenkins

Marilyn K. Jenkins, 80, a lifelong resident of Genesee, passed away peacefully at Gritman Medical Center in Moscow surrounded by her loving family on Saturday evening, Nov. 18, 2017, due to complications from battling cancer and other health issues for several years. She was the eldest of three daughters born Dec. 4, 1936, in Puyallup, WA to Henry and Marie Biehn (German; pronounced bean); who were rhubarb, raspberry, strawberry, blackberry and blueberry farmers. Marilyn and her sisters grew up picking rhubarb and berries for their parents, either after school or during the summers. She also spent her childhood listening to baseball on the radio and became a dedicated fan, especially of the Seattle Mariners since 1977 and on. Shortly after high school Marilyn began working as a bank teller. She dreamed of marrying a baseball player and not a farmer. However, in 1955 she met Ken Jenkins in Puyallup while he was stationed at Fort Lewis in the U.S. Army, a farmer who didn't care for baseball (as much as Marilyn did). On Nov. 16, 1956, they were married in Puyallup where they lived until 1958 when they moved to Genesee, ID to take over the family farming. After moving to Genesee, Marilyn became a farmer's wife and continued working as a bank teller in Genesee. She eventually quit to raise three children and found her niche as a homemaker. She grew a large garden for produce throughout the calendar year that provided several projects, including canning and making jam and jelly. Marilyn also enjoyed growing flowers and fell in love with hummingbirds that became one of her favorite pastimes. She was an excellent cook and baker, and also enjoyed sewing from making outfits to a pair of jeans, etc. In the mid-80's, Marilyn decided to work again while maintaining her garden at the same time as a bank teller at Bank of America in Pullman, WA until she retired. Marilyn's faith was a cornerstone in her life, and loved her family and many friends. She enjoyed going to Genesee High School sporting events, and U of I football and basketball games. Ken and Marilyn were boosters of both schools. The Jenkins family activities revolved around sports or going to local sports games. Marilyn faithfully watched the Mariners on TV while listening to them on the radio at the same time. She also went to Mariners games in Seattle, WA and made annual trips to Mariners Spring training in Peoria, AZ. Marilyn's other interest was travel that began in high school when her family traveled to Europe and visited her Dad Henry's relatives in Germany. Henry immigrated from Germany to Seattle, WA when he was 19 years old. Marilyn then planned road trips for her own family by sight-seeing the western United States in a camper. Ken and Marilyn took their kids on special trips, including Disneyland every four years. After retiring from 40 years of farming, Ken and Marilyn enjoyed traveling in their Bounder motor home and seeing the United States. The highlight of their travels was a 58-day caravan with 20 other RVs to Alaska in 2004. Marilyn was a member of the Happy Valley Club, USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, and the Bounder Timber Roo RV Club. She was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Genesee. Ken and Marilyn were also ambassadors to Camp Lutherhaven in Coeur d'Alene, ID. Her survivors include her son Todd Jenkins, daughter Deanna Jenkins, son Mark (Shaney) Jenkins, sister Shirley (Jack) Arnold, sister-in-law Maxine Jenkins, step-granddaughters Ashlie and Myranda Moore, step-grandson Christopher Moore, stepgreat-granddaughter Clover Moore, nieces and several nephews, along with other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Ken Jenkins, parents Henry and Marie Biehn, and sister Dena McCallum. The funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Genesee. A reception starting at 12:00 pm will follow the church service at the Genesee Senior Center. Short's Funeral Chapel of Moscow has been entrusted with the cremation and arrangements. Viewing will be Wed, 11/29 and Thurs, 11/30 from 12 pm to 6 pm and Fri, 12/01 from 8 am to 2 pm. Burial will be planned in the Spring 2018. Condolences can be left on-line at www.shortsfuneralchapel.net. Marilyn's family and friends would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Gritman Memorial Hospital for their excellent care of Marilyn. It comforts us to know that she received the very best. Also, very special thanks to Dr. Kraig White, Dr. Bryn Parker, Karen P. and Michelle F. We can't express enough in words our appreciation to you for everything. Marilyn's positive outlook, woman warrior spirit, friendship and steady presence will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions can be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, the Genesee Ambulance Fund or Camp Lutherhaven, 2000 W. Lutherhaven Road, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814.