Marla Coalwell

On February 24, 2018 Marla Kay (Howland) Coalwell passed away at home after a long battle with health issues in John Day, Oregon. Marla will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but we all know she is now among the angels watching over us. Family and Friends are encouraged to attend a Celebration of Marla's Life and potluck on April 7, 2018 from 12 to 3 at the Canyon City Community Center.

Marla Kay Howland was born on April 3, 1953 to Lorene (Hall) Howland Spriet and James Clifford Howland in Baker City, Oregon. She joined 11 siblings Bill, Clifford, John, Ed, Nelda, Nita, June, Tera, Mike, Vern and Lela and a few years later sister Wilma was born. Marla was raised in Baker City, Oregon and Colorado Springs, Colorado attending school in both places.

In 1972 she and Jerry Coalwell met in Bates, OR – their first date was to John Day for pizza at midnight. He won her heart with his fast cars and his quiet personality. On December 23, 1973 she married Jerry in Weiser, Idaho, they brought to this union two children Susan and Clinton. They made their home in Bates, Oregon for a few years until Jerry transferred to the John Day Mill in 1975 and they have resided in John Day ever since. In August of 1976, they welcomed son Terry to the family. In December they celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.

Marla focused on being a homemaker and mom, she did work outside the home at different times. She was an employee at John Day Golf Course for a number of years, and at the John Day Elks Lodge.

Marla enjoyed painting and macraméing, watching TV and playing games on her kindle. Marla also loved to gamble and to travel. Much time was spent traveling and along the way she always complained about Jerry’s driving. Some of the favorite destinations were Wallowa Lake, California Redwoods and the Oregon Coast. Her favorite trip was an Alaska cruise with sister Tera and some friends. She also enjoyed a trip to Mexico & Arizona with special friend Barb Keiner and many trips to Winnemucca. After the kids graduated and started families of their own Marla and Jerry would accompany them to ball games, trips to the coast, and family dinners. Marla enjoyed yard-saleing every weekend, especially in Tri-Cities with her favorite Sister in Law Diane Bogart. Her search was for treasures for the grandkids and old cookie jars. She loved to spoil the grandkids and send them home with toys, clothes or whatever great buy she found while yard-saleing.

Marla is survived by her husband Jerry (John Day), Daughter Susan (Todd) Gregory of Vale, son Clinton (Tessa) Coalwell of Mt Vernon and Terry (Leann) Coalwell of John day. Grandkids Bailey, Austen, and Brayden Gregory (Vale) Zach Mangione (Boise) Levi Coalwell , Walker, Kyle and Melissa Erickson (Mt Vernon) and Myckee, Torie, Trevyn and Ryan Coalwell (JohnDay). 10 siblings Bill, Clifford, John, Ed, Nelda, Nita, Tera, Mike, Vern, Lela and Wilma. Sister in law Diane (Scott) Bogart Kenniwick WA, and her pets Toby and Squirt. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Marla is proceeded in death by her parents Lorene Spriet and James Howland, and two siblings June and Bill.

For those who would like to make a donation in memory of Marla the family suggests either the Ronald McDonald House or St. Jude Children's Hospital through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. On line condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com