MARILYN JEAN OWEN (NEE RYMAN) (FORMERLY LAWRY)

OCTOBER 24, 1941-APRIL 12, 2025

Beloved by all she passed, she passed no one without a smile and a kindness.

Marilyn Jean Ryman was born in Honolulu, Hawaii to loving parents.  An executive with the Dole Company, her father moved the family to Cuba where they lived during its heyday.  With the fall of Batista and the rise of the Communist government under Castro, the family returned to Hawaii.  A sunny blond with an infectious smile, Marilyn proudly graduated from Punahou High School in 1960 and set off to Oregon to pursue higher education at Linfield College and Oregon State University.  With a degree in hand, she was “That Girl!”; beautiful, intelligent and on her way to a thirty-year career devoted to teaching first graders in the Portland area.  Saved in her personal effects, were cherished (and often funny) letters from both students and parents whom she touched.

Always an advocate for truth, justice and a fair hand, Marilyn donated time and funds to dozens of charitable institutions.  Marilyn was a published children’s book author (“Everyone Except Everett”), who won numerous awards for both her stories and her poetry.

Marilyn is mourned by two stepdaughters, a stepson and his wife, a niece and a long-term partner, all of whom were absolutely devoted to her.  A sister and two nephews also share her loss.  She is pre-deceased by her husband William (Bill) Owen, parent’s Eugene and Janet Ryman and dear brother Allan Ryman.

Thank you to the wonderful staff at Morningstar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Laurelhurst and the stellar Tenderly Hospice team, who loved and were loved by Marilyn.  Please make any donations to your local Animal Shelter or Hospice.