Marlys was born January 20, 1938, in Longview, WA to proud parents Ernest and Viola Erickson. She grew up as an only child with much love and affection. The family were faithful members of Trinity Lutheran Church. Marlys graduated from R.A. Long High School and attended Pacific Lutheran University. She returned home and married the love of her life, Richard (Dick) Anderson. Together they had four children; Lori (Rob) Pengra of Vancouver, WA; Steven Anderson of Longview, Nancy (Bob) Miller of Dunedin, FL, and Julie Thompson of Vancouver, WA. Marlys & Dick loved travelling, camping, golfing, and playing cards with the family. Marlys served with the Campfire Organization for many years, beginning in her teens as a camp counselor, serving as a group leader, as well as president of the council. She was active at Trinity where she worked as the church secretary, taught Sunday School, and served on the church council. In 1981, Dick passed away and Marlys later married Robert Beck, extending her family by 8 stepchildren and multiple grandchildren. Marlys and Bob were active members at Bethany Lutheran Church for years following their marriage. Marlys had a very life changing trip to visit her family in Thailand in 1995. In 2017, Marlys lost her husband, Bob, and then later that year moved into assisted care in Vancouver, WA. This was the first time she lived outside of the Longview area. Marlys went to heaven peacefully the morning of February 20, 2024. She is survived by all four of her children; Dick’s son, Jim Anderson, 5 grandchildren – Bethany, Jared & Anna Pengra, Samantha Sheridan & Tara Thompson and 4 great-grandchildren – Zackary, Mackenzie, Hadley & Evelyn.
The family truly appreciates all the thoughts and prayer throughout the last few years of Marlys’ life. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Longview Memorial Park.
Any gifts in memorial can be made to the Thailand Mission fund at Hope International Baptist Church. PO Box 66146 - Portland, OR 97290.
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