Marilyn Baker VanNatta

November 6, 1936 - November 13, 2023 It is with deep sadness that the family must share the passing of Marilyn Hanthorn Baker Van Natta in her beloved forest home in Rainier, OR on November 13, 2023 after a short battle with cancer.
Marilyn's family moved to Portland, OR after WWII where her Grandfather introduced her to the violin and began her life long journey of music. While attending Grant High School in Portland, Marilyn joined the Portland Youth Philharmonic (known then as the Portland Junior Symphony) and often credited that wonderful program for building the skills and experience that fueled her professional career.
Marilyn earned her Bachelor of Arts in Applied Music from Willamette University in 1957. In 1962, she and son Lucian moved to Los Angeles where Marilyn found a vibrant and active career and joined both the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), Local 47 and the Nat'l Assoc of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS).
Marilyn regularly worked with numerous groups, theaters and orchestras throughout the LA area in addition to teaching. Once Lucian was grown she also enjoyed touring around the world with various performers and could entertain you for hours with her many stories of orchestral life on the road.
Marilyn retired to Portland, OR in 2007 where she continued to teach Violin and Viola as well as staying in touch with the many, many musicians she had mentored and worked with over the years. Even in "retirement" Marilyn still played in local quartets, chamber music presentations and often worked with the Newport Symphony Orchestra.
In September, 2015 she married her dear friend from their Willamette University days, Kay C. Van Natta and moved to Rainier, OR and the family tree farm located there. In no time at all this self-avowed "city chick" won the hearts of the local grange and resource communities with her down-to-earth kindness, logic and willingness to step up and lend a hand however possible. Her special light will be missed in these communities.
The family invites you to join with us for an informal Celebration of Marilyn's Life on Saturday, December 2nd from 1 - 4:00 pm at the Woman's Club building at 835 21st Ave, Longview WA 98632.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be directed to either the Portland Youth Philharmonic (www.PortlandYouthPhil.org) or the Rainier Oregon Historical Museum in Marilyn's memory. Donations to the museum may be mailed to R.O.H.M. P.O. Box 762 Rainier OR 97048.