Marie Anna Ringhouse, 92, of Clear Lake and Sedro-Woolley, went to heaven on Monday, November 12, 2018.
Marie was born on March 10, 1926 in Mount Vernon, the daughter of Alfred & Mary (Moore) Wood. She was raised in Clear Lake. Her humble childhood was characterized by the Great Depression and then the onset of WWII. She graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School in 1944.
On October 23, 1947 Marie was united in marriage to Donald Ringhouse and together they made their home and raised their family in Clear Lake. Marie worked for 20 years as a purchasing secretary for Skagit Steel/Bendix Corporation, retiring in 1976. She never went to college, choosing instead to major in a life of love and service to her family and community.
Her house was always open and visitors were greeted with sweets, a listening ear, a lap for grandkids, a story, or a game of cards. She loved her husband, family, friends, neighbors and church. She was so special and will be dearly missed by her family, but she always said, “We can’t wish them back.” We have lost a great lady who leaves behind a legacy of love and goodness. She will live forever in our hearts.
Marie was a longtime member of the Clear Lake First Baptist Church and served as a volunteer for the Clear Lake Historical Society.
Marie is survived by her daughter, Connie Cox and husband Randy of Sedro-Woolley; three grandchildren, Sara Barnes (Ken), Dan Cox (Erin) and Jenni Cox; five great-grandchildren, Matt, Allison and Emilie Barnes and Caleb and Ann Marie Cox; a sister-in-law, Beverly Ringhouse and seven nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Clyde Wood.
Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Hawthorne Memorial Park in Mount Vernon, followed by a Life Celebration service at the Clear Lake First Baptist Church at 1:00 PM, with Pastor John Batts officiating. Services and arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
Aunt Marie was such a constant part of my childhood. Sunday dinners, open arms and an open house whenever we wandered in. When I was in high school and would stay after for activities- I would walk to Skagit Steel and wait for her in the car (she always left it unlocked). What a special time as she would deliver me right at my doorstep!
Kindness, warmth and an accepting nature…both she and my mom lived a bit in the shadow of the outgoing Ringhouse boys. Loved her and will miss her greatly.