After a brief illness Marie Kemple passed away Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011 at Central Washington Hospital having been surrounded by four generations of loving family members.

Marie was born Oct. 31, 1924 to George and Mary Albin in Minneapolis, Minn. Growing up in McCloud and DeLamere, ND, where she met and married husband Philip Kemple in 1942. They had three sons, Gary, Dennis and Curtis, but sadly lost a set of twin girls. In 1959 the family moved from Milnor, ND to Portland, Ore. where Marie proudly worked for ten years in the surgical services department at Physicians and Surgeons Hospital. She was also a member of the Catholic Church.

Marie loved children and provided foster care for a time. Her home was warm and welcoming. A main gathering spot for large family events. A safe haven and second home to nieces and nephews, her three sons’ many friends and to her mother Mary, who lived with the family for many years. Marie enjoyed camping and fishing so they went as often as possible, making great memories along the way. As her boys grew, married and started their own families, becoming a grandmother was a highpoint in Marie’s life. Gramma Marie rocked! In the early 80’s Marie and Phil started traveling to the hills of Oroville, Wash. to visit son Curtis, who had moved there.

In 1987, after 45 years of marriage, Marie’s husband Philip passed away and in 1995 she decided to move and live with Curtis and family, where she made new friends by going to church, home Bible study groups and other family activities. Marie also conquered a lifelong fear of water with swimming lessons in nearby Canada. She made many trips to Oregon to visit family over the years and felt blessed when they came to Oroville to see her. She was able to spend time, play with and love every one of her great and great-great grandchildren. Marie stayed active all of her years, some of her hobbies included reading, gardening, growing beautiful houseplants, crafts, birdwatching, interior decorating, baking and needlework.

Marie was preceded in death by parents George and Mary, brother Maynard, sister Maxine, husband Philip, son Gary, twin daughters and granddaughter Tannus. She is survived by a sister Marvel (Marvin), a brother Morris (Norma), two sons, Curtis (Patty) and Dennis (Sally), a daughter-in-law Vicki, five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by all.

At Marie’s request there will be no services. Memorials may be made to any children’s organization.