Marlis Taff

1934 - 2018

Marlis (Marty) Taff, 83, of Spokane, WA passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2018. Our beloved wife, mother and grandmother is now home and at peace. Marty was born on February 17th, 1934 to Reginald and Catherine Osborne. She grew-up in San Francisco, CA before leaving to attend Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. It was there that Marty, a California girl, fell in love with Paul Taff Jr., a Missouri Aggie. A Sunday evening blind date turned into a lifetime of companionship lasting 64 wonderful years. Together, they had three beautiful daughters. It was a love that was planned in heaven. Marty worked for the Central Valley School District in Spokane for 20 years where she made lasting friendships and impacted the lives of many children, some of whom were still in touch with her. She loved soaking in the sunshine, gardening, and hunting for bargains at garage sales with Paul. She also loved to travel and took her grandkids on many RV trips to the Oregon Coast and Canada. Marty and Paul split their time between Spokane and Mesa, AZ where they have a close community of friends and neighbors. Being a San Francisco girl, she didn’t think she’d like the desert, but over time it grew to be her favorite place and second home. In addition to her husband, Marty is survived by three daughters: Cheryl Taff Foster (Glenn); Lisa Taff Bresnahan (Bryan); and Gail Taff Caramandi (Nick). She is also survived by eleven grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Marty will be greeted in heaven by her loving sister, Roberta (Robbie) Harrington, who also made her transition recently. Marty was often referred to as “spunky” and had a joyful laugh not to be forgotten. She was strong, funny and kind and will be truly missed by her entire family and community. We know she is at peace now, watching over us all. Marty found her deepest joy and peace by the Pacific Ocean, which is where a memorial and the scattering of her ashes will take place.