Marlene Jean Gift

Marlene Jean Gift, age 82, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2023, at Ahadi Adult Senior Home in Columbia City. She was born on January 28, 1941, in Portland, Oregon to Fred and Hazel Heimuller.
Marlene was a lifetime resident of Warren and Scappoose, Oregon. Growing up on and near the family farm on Slavens Road with her parents Grandparents, John and Mary Farr; and her dog Patches, who could not escape Marlene's love and desire to squeeze him into different tailored outfits. She grew up in such a wonderful area near her grandparent's farm. She made sure that her kids and grandkids were able to have a similar life and home.
Marlene was married to Mark H. Gift at a young age. They had four children: Mark, Mary, Martin, and, nine years later after the frigid winter of '69, Marie. When Martin was born, the doctors said he wouldn't live long with all of his special needs and suggested that it would be best for everyone that he be placed in a care facility. She went against that advice and took him home. With the help of her mom, Martin defied the odds and he lives today because of God's grace and the family's love and care.
Marlene was perpetually involved with the community. She, along with family members and others, worked to put on the Farm Scramble sponsored by Darrell Brock and the Brock family at the Columbia County Fair. Marlene got involved with 4H when her sister-in-law, Donna, was young and just starting out in the 4H program. Later, she clerked for the 4H judges in sheep, beef, and horses. She also assisted Al and Bonnie Lennox with the local 4H livestock group and helped her children, Mark and Mary, show beef cattle and sheep. She supported Mary and Marie with their horses in 4H and numerous junior and high school rodeos and traveled to the High School Rodeo Nationals when Marie qualified in barrel racing. Marlene and Marty Jenkins organized the kitchen and cooked for the 4H Summer Camp at Camp Wilkerson for many years. No matter the event, whether it be Cheerleading, Rodeo, 4H, Wrestling, Football, or Baseball, she was always there for her kids. This did not change for her grandkids or for the many kids she babysat when they were toddlers and took under her wing.
Years later, after her children were grown, she continued to support her grandchildren in sports, academics, and life by going to all their events, watching them after school, and showing the same care and attention she gave to all those she loved. She took care of Martin at home as well as reaching beyond family, as was her nature, to homebound elderly folks in the community who otherwise may have had to leave their homes. She would cook, clean, check in on, listen, laugh, and be present for folks that needed it most.
After years of helping to run their family business and taking care of homebound individuals, she went on to work at Scappoose High School in the cafeteria; much of the school affectionately called her grandma. In the evenings, she provided another home for her grandkids, their friends, and for that matter, anyone who came into the house. No matter who you were, she made sure you felt at home. Her usual tactics included lots of good food and conversation. Goulash, cheesy potatoes, popcorn balls, crazy cake, artichoke dip, biscuits, cinnamon rolls, pull-aparts, and anything else she had a hand in making could not only fill your belly but knock you out for an early nap on the Davenport.
Even while taking care of her kids, grandkids, and the community's kids, she also spent ample time with close friends who she cherished. Janet Johnson; John and Linda Vogel; Kenny and Betty Kriete; Bob and Beverly Wickwire; and many more. Whether it was long walks, dinners, a shared bottle of "2-buck-chuck", or the opportunity to make or drink a lemon drop... or two... or three... in good company. There were many many adventures with her friends, especially Janet and Linda. These two (and a few others) were as close to sisters as she could have had and she loved them so. When she befriended you, you were a beloved friend for life.
Even when she moved into assisted living in Scappoose she made sure she continued to take care of people. Her natural tendency for looking after people kicked in the moment she got to know other residents. On more than one occasion, Marlene got mistaken as an employee of the care home. She made fast friends and good memories during her time there.
If you had the good fortune to know Marlene, you knew your life was better for it. She hardly ever stopped caring for, supporting, listening, teaching, and loving everyone in her community. She will be remembered and dearly missed.
Marlene is survived by her children, Mark A. Gift (Tina), Mary Tate (Dan), Martin Gift, and Marie McGuire (Randy); her grandchildren, Shena Wheeler, Shana "Gilla" Lieuallen, Colby McGuire, Shaylee Patterson, Stephen Gift, and Michael Gift; her great-grandchildren, Colten Wheeler, Blaine Wheeler, Handy Lieuallen, Georgia Lieuallen, Dallas McGuire, Gavin McGuire, Ryder McGuire, Shelton Patterson, and Wyatt Patterson; and her great-great grandson, Stetson Wheeler.
A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 12th, 2023, at Warren Community Fellowship in Warren, Oregon with Pastor Cary Wacker officiating. There will be a small gathering after the service at Marie and Randy McGuire's home at 54653 Dahlgren Rd. A small graveside service for the family will precede the celebration of life. Marlene will be laid to rest in Bayview Cemetery alongside her family.
Condolences may be sent to the family at PO Box 169 Scappoose, OR 97056.