Marilyn Mae Quesinberry

Marilyn Mae Quesinberry of Sunnyside Washington passed away peacefully at Sunnyside Assisted Living facility on Nov. 9th, 2023

Marilyn was born August 4th, 1943, to Herman and Esther Frank in Loveland, CO.   The family moved to Toppenish WA in  1944 then on to Sunnyside in 1949.

After graduating from Sunnyside High School in 1961 she went on to attend Yakima Business College.  She worked as a secretary for John Noel Sr at Pepsi-Cola while living in Yakima.

In 1962 at a dinner out with her parents, Marilyn met Dennis Quesinberry.  Dennis was immediately smitten with Marilyn and on February 2nd, 1963, the pair were married at the Sunnyside Presbyterian Church.

The couple moved to The Dalles, Oregon while Dennis was working for Pacific Power and Light Company where their daughter Michele was born.  They moved back to Sunnyside in 1968 where their son Bryan was born.

Marilyn started working as a Para-Pro for the Sunnyside School District in 1976.  Marilyn had found her passion working with small children building lasting relationships with the students and teachers she worked with.  It was a common occurrence to be out with mom and have children run up and give her a big hug.  Mom loved those moments and was always happy to greet them.

After retiring with 30+ years from the Sunnyside School District she continued to sub and would look forward to getting those calls.  Mom had lasting relationships she’d built with teachers and para-pros that she would refer to as her “School Friends” and for many they would meet on a regular basis for coffee.

Marilyn could light up the darkest room with her smile and infectious laugh.  She never was in a “bad mood” and instilled in her children the gift of positivity and staying grounded to who you are.

Marilyn had many hobbies, but snowmobiling was one of her favorites.  For years in the winter, mom and dad would “head to the hills” with the family to join their Friends with the Cascade Snow Drifters Snowmobile Club.

Dennis and Marilyn spent many summers in Westport WA fishing and crabbing with family and friends.  She loved to travel in their motorhome and had many adventures throughout the U.S.

She was an avid NASCAR fan attending many races across the country. 

Marilyn was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  She had many friends, and her children would often joke that she never met a stranger.  Her smile and genuine warmth could brighten even the darkest day.  Her happy voice and words of encouragement will be missed but not forgotten by all those who knew and loved her.  Her kind and gentle soul positively impacted more lives than we’ll ever know.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Dennis Quesinberry, a daughter Michele Quesinberry, Spokane WA. Son Bryan Quesinberry, Daughter-in-law Teresa and Granddaughter Elizabeth Quesinberry, Spokane WA. Brother Jerry Frank, Yuma AZ.  Sister Nancy Miles (Doug) Gleed WA. 

Marilyn is proceeded in death by her Mother and Father.

At Marilyn’s request a private family service will be held in her honor. Those wishing to sign Marilyn’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com  In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to the Alzheimer’s Association. Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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