Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Marlene Triplett


Marlene Triplett, our loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend, was called home to God Aug. 16, 2007.

Her life tragically ended in an automobile accident while traveling near Sun Valley, Idaho.

She was born Dec. 31, 1940, in Colfax, Wash., to William and Mary Tierney. Marlene grew up on the family farm near Genesee, Idaho.

She graduated high school at St. Gertrude's Academy in 1958. She enrolled at Lewis Clark Normal College (LCSC) receiving a teaching certificate. She later attended Idaho State University where she received a bachelor degree in education completing her graduate degree from the University of Idaho.

While attending LCSC Marlene met Robert (Bob) Triplett. They were married Aug. 19, 1961. Bob was the love of her life, constant companion and best friend.

They moved to Pierce, Idaho, in 1966. She was an active and valued member of the community for the next 18 years. She touched the lives of many children spending most of her career teaching and coaching basketball at Pierce Middle School and then later at Orofino Jr. High retiring from education in 1995. Marlene was very proud of her career and once said "I could teach math all day." She was greatly respected by her fellow educators receiving the national Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics as well as receiving the Idaho Elementary Math Teacher of the Year award. She particularly enjoyed the time she spent sitting on the committee for the state of Idaho Mathematics Curriculum with her son, Fred.

In 1984 she and Bob moved to the Triplett family farm on Cottonwood Creek near Culdesac, Idaho. Marlene was never one to sit still. She again became active within the community becoming a member of the Culdesac Gun Club serving as secretary for two years, worked with the Culdesac School Parent/Teacher/Student Association, was a past EMT for the Culdesac Quick Response Unit and happily spent hours cheering on her grandchildren's sports teams.

She attained her realtors' license selling real estate in the Lewis Clark Valley for six years. Anyone with a personal or professional association with her could not help but be affected by her compassion and integrity.

In 2005 they moved from the farm to Eagles Point in Lewiston, Idaho. Working side by side with Bob they built her dream home. The evidence of her hard work can be seen in the beautiful flowers and grass that surround her warm, love-filled house. It's a place we all called home. She had begun to enjoy woodworking over the past few years. Through a labor of love she and Bob created a wonderful workshop for her to explore her creativity.

Marlene was a living testament of her faith being her family's inspiration and strength. She was a life-long member of the Roman Catholic Church. Most recently she has been a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Lewiston, Idaho. She enjoyed ministering with "The Women of Lourdes" women's group participating in many events.

Marlene was a beautiful, vibrant, active woman being a fountain of love for her family. She was the "rock" that everyone leaned on and the person we all turned to for help during the struggles of life. Her perseverance and unwavering faith was never more exemplified than when her son, Fred, died at the early age of 27. She gave her love unconditionally supporting and encouraging her grandchildren, rejoicing in their triumphs and encouraging them never to give up. Her inspiration and values are evident in the lives and relationships of her family. She was an extraordinary woman giving of herself unselfishly making everyone she met a better person for having known her.

Marlene is survived by Bob, her husband of 46 years; daughter, Julie King and husband Art, of Lewiston, Idaho; two sisters, Wileen Anderson and husband Bill of the Moscow/Genesee area, Wanda Vladimiroff and husband John of Hailey, Idaho; brother Will Tierney of Seattle, Wash.; daughter-in-law Wendy Rucker and husband Sherman of Sandpoint, Idaho; grandchildren Kyle King, Nathan King, Katie King, Joe Triplett and Mallory Triplett; nephews Tyrell Anderson, and William Tierney; and nieces Jodi (Anderson) Richter and Tanya (Tierney) Dye and of course Max, her daily companion and four-legged beneficiary of her unconditional love and attention.

Marlene was preceded in death by a son, Fred Triplett.

"All who knew her loved her."

A vigil service will be held Friday Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Lewiston, Idaho.

A memorial mass will held Saturday Aug. 25 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Lewiston, Idaho. A reception at the church will follow.

The family suggests any memorials be sent to the Lewiston Catholic Community Tri-Parish Building Fund c/o Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2015 13th Avenue, Lewiston, Idaho 83501.




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