Marie Bartley Obituary (2024)

Marie Pearl (Elliot) Bartley was born a Coal Miner's Daughter, in Casper, Wyoming, on Wednesday, June 14, 1933. Marie committed her life to being a loving mother, devoted wife, and caring aunt, and grandmother. Marie grew up on the Wyoming Prairie during the Great Depression. This is likely where she became such a strong woman even at an early age. The oldest of four sisters, with an older brother as wild as the Wyoming winds, Marie learned at an early age how to make ends meet. She did it as if she were the richest person in the room. Marie was an active gardener who loved spending hours outside with her flowers, berries, and plants. She was a "tough old bird," and an extremely strong woman, suffering a broken hip in her later years and pulling through, claiming it "didn't hurt too bad". She spent hours recording movies she liked onto VHS tapes, keeping her taped treasures in card catalog form, and checking them out to friends and family as if she were a librarian. On return visits, if you hadn't returned a movie you had borrowed, she would be sure to remind you. It's unknown if any late charges were invoked, you just might not have gotten any dessert after dinner. Marie was a wonderful cook, impressing friends, family, and neighbors with her famous "blonde brownies," shortbread, goulash, chili, and split pea soup, along with many other favorites. She enjoyed adding vinegar to her bowl of lima or navy beans, a taste you either liked or hated but worth trying. You could always count on a meal from Marie's Kitchen on every visit. You could also bank on her telling you one thing if you were late at dinnertime, "There's the quick and the hungry," even if she didn't really mean it. Marie always had a bowl of candy that was visited by the sweet tooth's upon arrival, and often throughout one's visit. I dont think I ever heard her say "that's enough", although she would usually tell the younger children, "As long as it's alright with your parents". The candy bowl was something the grandchildren especially looked forward to. Marie lost the love of her life, Jack, in 2010. They were married by candlelight on the evening of St. Patrick's Day 1951, at Memorial Bible Church in Naches, Washington. Jack and Marie enjoyed each other's company so much. Marie would often go on adventures that many spouses would have graciously declined. Jack enjoyed shooting and hunting and Marie would assist with "target practice" and game spotting. Marie had a keen eye for spotting animals in the wild for Jack, which came in especially handy in the later years when Jack's eyes were not as great as they once were. Jack enjoyed Jeeping, Marie would hold the youngest child on her lap, traveling endless miles over some of the most challenging jeep trails and mountain roads in Central Washington. Not even having a Jeep tip on its side (her side) during an unsuccessful hill climb deterred her great admiration for her lifelong companion. As the saying goes, "Beside every great man stands a greater woman." Marie is survived by her sisters, Judy Boster and Kathy Fairbank, both from Boise, ID., daughters, Sally (Darrell) Curless of Williamsburg, MO., Jackie (Richard) Swanson of Yakima, WA., and sons, Alan Bartley of Hilo, HI., and Mark (Christine) Bartley of Sequim, WA. Marie was blessed with 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Marie was also beloved by many nieces and nephews. Marie will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to have known her. Its a joy to know that Jack and Marie are on some crazy adventure right now in heaven. Let's just hope that Saint Peter doesn't gain too much weight eating all those blonde brownies. Love You, Mom! At her request, there will be no services. Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.shawandsons.com.