Jeanette Marbourg

On Aug. 18, longtime Ephrata resident Jeanette Marbourg, 89, peacefully passed away at her Garden Oasis residence. She was born on Oct. 13, 1936, in Syracuse, Kansas, to Dee and Leta Northcutt.

When she was 6 months old, Mom, Dad, Jeanette and older sister Peggy moved to Central Oregon where she was raised for the next 17 years in Powell Butte, Oregon on the family farm.

In April of 1954, the family moved to Quincy, Washington, where they continued farming in the Quincy Valley. Jeanette graduated from Quincy High School the following year, in 1955.

Following her graduation, Jeanette moved to Seattle and began what would become a lifelong career with the phone company. She retired from U.S. West after over 36 years of service, during which she held a variety of roles and worked in multiple locations. Over the decades and through many company name changes, Jeanette built strong relationships and friendships with those she worked with.

Jeanette enjoyed her many travels during her retirement years, with her traveling companion Faye Brown. Together the two of them visited many exciting places; some of which included Russia, England, Ireland, Scotland, Panama, New York City and many other wonderful sites across the country.

Through her life Jeanette gained many friends and enjoyed meeting new people and seeing new places wherever she went. She never knew a stranger. She will be missed by all who ever crossed her path.

She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1975 and gave the disease a run for its money every day.

Jeanette was married and divorced early in her adult years and never remarried. She leaves behind her niece Judy Travis, her nephews James Travis and John Travis and many close and special friends. Per her wishes, no service or memorial will be held. Anyone wishing to remember Jeanette may do so by making a donation to the Columbia Basin Foundation in her honor.