Marlene Ringen

1933 - 2024

Marlene Joyce (Ringman) Ringen passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her loved ones, just a few days after her 91st birthday. Born September 27, 1933, in Everett, Washington to Edward and Alma Ringman, she was a child of the depression, but she had a wonderful family full of love, which she carried with her all her life.

She graduated from Everett High School in 1951, went on to Everett Junior College (now Everett Community College) and then to Western Washington State College (now WWU). She took a break from her education to marry Edmund Ringen (deceased) and have her first four children. It's a testament to her quiet determination that she returned to school to complete her degree, even as she raised her young family.

Marlene was a kindergarten and first grade teacher for 28 years in the Marysville School District. She loved teaching and working with children and cherished the lifelong friendships she developed with colleagues.

The Ringen family moved to Mission Beach in 1961, and in 1970 added another child to their family. Marlene loved living at the beach, where she hosted family gatherings and parties with friends, grew flowers and enjoyed pleasant summer breaks. She was a trusting parent who let her children explore the outdoors at Mission, arming them with common sense she hoped they would put into use - which they did, most of the time.

She was an active member of Central Lutheran Church in Everett, participating in the Alter Guild, Esther Circle, and the quilters. She also volunteered at the Marysville Food Bank and the Assistance League in Everett. Her name is on the Tree of Life at Bloodworks Northwest in Everett, where she donated 100 units of blood in her lifetime.

After Edmund died in 1995, she returned to Everett to be closer to her church community and was able to remain in her home until the end of her life, which was her wish.

In addition to her beloved Ed, Marlene's parents and brother Donald Ringman preceded her in death. She leaves her five children: Alan Ringen (Marla), Carol Krause (Ben), Neil Ringen, Jerry Ringen (Wendy), and Joanne Ringen (Chris Jones); grandchildren Todd, Nate, Beth, Curt, Eric, Tyler, Peter, Soren, and Britt, brother-in-law John Ringen and his wife Vicky, and many cherished cousins, nephews, nieces, great-grandchildren, and friends.

The service for Marlene will be held on November 9, 2024, 1 p.m. at Central Lutheran Church in Everett, Washington. Please join us for coffee, tea, cookies, and your remembrances of her. Any memorials can be directed to Central Lutheran Church, the Everett Gospel Mission, or the Assistance League of Everett.