MARILEE ETHERIDGE Obituary

Marilee Etheridge, born March 7, 1953, passed from this world on Wednesday, December 15, 2010. After many years as a resident of Coarsegold, she and her husband Ed Etheridge, had relocated to Chowchilla in recent years.

Marilee's early life was spent on California's central coast, although most of her life was spent in the central valley. She attended California State University Fresno, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Disorders, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1990. A year later she graduated with distinction with a Master of Arts in Communicative Disorders with an emphasis in Speech Language Pathology. Most of Marilee's early career was spent working in skilled nursing facilities, helping the elderly regain swallowing, and speech abilities. Her true love, however, was helping the valley's youth. She worked most of her career with preschool age and younger, in Madera, Merced, and Fresno County. She truly loved helping children and their families, she dedicated her life to this work.

Besides her work, her other love was always family. While her husband Ed, her son Scott and his wife Tara, her daughter Heather and her husband Kris, and their children Elijah and Aeva made up Marilee's immediate family, she always included her friends in this list: Sheryl Pelton, and Wayne and Michelle McGhee, among many others. Marilee enjoyed spending time outside and going on vacations with her family, she was an avid reader, and loved to bake cookies with her grandchildren.

Marilee will be missed immensely. She was such an amazing person, full of love and laughter. The world has truly lost a great soul, but we take comfort in knowing that her struggle is over and she is looking down on us from heaven.

She leaves behind her husband; her son, Scott and Tara Raymond; her daughter, Heather and Kristopher Paul; and her beloved grandchildren, Elijah and Aeva Paul. Additionally, she is survived by her sisters, Leota Silva, Jodi Johnson, and Karen Lane, as well as two brothers.

There will be a private ceremony held in Marilee's honor, with family only.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to one of the following: Occular Melanoma Foundation, P.O. Box 29261, Richmond, Va. 23242, www.occularmelanoma.org or The Foundation at FCOE Designate gift to support "special education preschool" 1111 Van Ness, Third Floor Fresno, CA 93721, www.fcoefoundation.org.

STEPHENS & BEAN CHAPEL 202 North Teilman Avenue Fresno , Ca. (559)268-9292

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fresno Bee on Dec. 19, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for MARILEE ETHERIDGE

9 Entries

Rosemary Meraz

January 8, 2011

It is with great sadness that I say good-bye to my friend Marilee. I wrote a poem about her called "Elegant Lady" which she surely was. My prayers are with her husband and family. I worked with her in Merced. Keep driving that Mercedes Van Marilee! Rosemary

Paul McIntyre

December 27, 2010

I had the pleasure of knowing Marilee for many years and will never forget how she had me remember the pronunciation of her name. . . . she said," It is just like the song, Marilee Marilee Marlilee Marilee, life is but a dream. . ."

I am deeply saddened by her passing and will always be there for her Family

Angela Cowger

December 23, 2010

I had the honor of working with Marilee in Madera. Her love of children was amazing. She was the type of person that others were drawn to because of her energy and spirit. She was a beautiful person on the inside and out.

Stephens & Bean Chapel

December 20, 2010

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

John & Susanne Killen

December 21, 2010

I was deeply saddened when I learned about Marilee's passing. As you grieve know that we are remembering you and honoring Marilee's memory.
With Deepest Sympathy

Shirley Baltazar

December 20, 2010

Marilee was a special friend and I was privileged to work with her for many years. Marilee gave from her heart as she worked with families and children. She was an amazing woman, wife, mother, and grandmother. Marilee made a difference in this world. I will miss her. I will keep her family in my prayers.

Aurelia Harrison

December 20, 2010

She was my Speech Therapist and I love her dearly.

Melinda Cozad

December 19, 2010

Marilee was my sons speech teacher for several years. She was an amazing woman and she will be greatly missed. My condolences to her family.

Sandi King

December 19, 2010

We at Fipps Primary will miss our beloved Marilee. She was a beautiful lady, and an amazing friend. Her contagious laugh and beautiful smile lit up our school site. Her dedication to her students was always her first thought. She was phenomenal to work with and even better to just be around. We loved her, and pray for her family that they get through this difficult time.
We will never forget that beautiful soul & lady that was Marilee Ethridge.
Respectfully,
Sandi King Fipps Primary School Riverdale

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