Marilyn Lewis, 87, passed away September 27, 2017, at Brookdale Senior Living in Roseburg, after a life well lived. Marilyn was a native Oregonian; her Great Grandfather and family traveled the Oregon Trail and settled on farmland near Roseburg. She was born Marilyn Alberta Mathews, in Salem on September 18, 1930. Marilyn spent her childhood and half her adult life in Roseburg. She spoke often about the enjoyment of growing up near downtown. Marilyn attended Roseburg High School.
Marilyn married Marvin Palmer in Roseburg in 1947. They were together 27 years, raising three children in a loving home. She was close to her sister, nieces and nephew and their children who respectfully addressed her as Aunt or “Auntie” Marilyn.
Marilyn was a stay-at-home mom and enjoyed raising her children and making every birthday and holiday a truly special occasion. Birthday celebrations often included picnics at Forks Park or Cavitt Creek where she would make many delicious meals for us kids and our friends. Marilyn and Marvin divorced in 1975 and Marilyn met Ted Lewis who she was with for nearly 41 years, living in the countryside of Azalea south of Roseburg.
Marilyn enjoyed cooking, quilting, sewing and traveling. She created hundreds of beautiful quilts for family and friends. She spoke often about the enjoyment of a family driving vacation to South Dakota in 1969. In later years Marilyn traveled to Alaska, Europe and the northeastern United States. She also enjoyed visiting the family-owned Tee Pee Tavern in Roseburg for a cold one with friends and family. Marilyn was a gentle, loving person who was loved by all who knew her and she will be deeply missed.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her Father, Delos “Dee” Mathews and Mother, Alta Griesel, former spouse, Marvin Palmer, her partner Ted and her eldest son, Randy Palmer. She is survived by her son, Jeff Palmer and daughter-in-law Kim Palmer of Medford, OR; daughter Julie Martin of Anchorage, AK; brother Bud Mathews of Longview, WA; sister Betty Jo Carr, Roseburg; nieces Gwen Bates, Jill Horst, Tracey Freamon and nephew Reese Carr, all of Roseburg; as well as several great nieces and nephews.
Marilyn will be interred at Roseburg Memorial Gardens where her Mother, Father and many other relatives are buried. Per Marilyn’s wish; the public is invited to a Celebration of Life potluck gathering at the Tee Pee Tavern located at 1830 NE Stephens St, Roseburg, from 3-6 pm, Friday, October 6. You may bring a dish to share but it’s not necessary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Marilyn. Please visit Marilyn’s web site at www.wilsonschapeloftherosesfh.com to leave condolences and fond memories. Wilson’s Chapel of the Roses is in charge of arrangements.