Marilyn Oline Moen Herzog-Peck-Ruffolo
February 22, 1932 – December 2, 2014
Marilyn died December 2, 2014, of a sudden heart attack while wintering in Las Vegas. She was 82.
Born in a farmhouse in Alderwood Manor, Washington, (now Lynnwood), to Norwegian immigrants, Marilyn lived a happy childhood on the small farm with dogs, cats, cows, turkeys, pigs, chickens, an orchard, and a vegetable garden.
Her father was part of the fishing fleet at Fisherman’s Terminal in Ballard. Through the depression and World War II, fishing and the farm provided. Marilyn shared many stories of her parents’ hard work and generosity, visitors from Seattle for Sunday dinners, and the individuals who formed the community at that time. Her parents were charter members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood, (then Alderwood), and Marilyn was a member of the first confirmation class on June 17, 1945. She cherished her childhood memories from Alderwood Manor. She cherished her parents, siblings, and her Norwegian heritage.
With the end of the war, the family moved to Ballard where Marilyn attended and graduated from Ballard High School in 1950. She played badminton and was quite proud that she was “all city” badminton champion one year. Golden Gardens, the Ballard Locks – and later – dance clubs with friends from Ballard High School, were the backdrop for many fun times. After graduating high school, Marilyn put her typing and organizational skills to work as a secretary in Seattle.
Marilyn married William T. Herzog, grandson of Duvall pioneer settlers, on October 23, 1954, at Phinney Ridge Lutheran in Seattle. In 1961 they settled in Duvall. They divorced in 1977. All three of their children attended Cherry Valley Elementary and graduated from Tolt High School.
Marilyn supported and advocated for strong local schools in the Lower Snoqualmie Valley and worked tirelessly on school levies. She organized ham dinners for the Cherry Valley PTSA and was involved in the Tolt Booster Club. She taught Sunday school for many years at Peace Lutheran in Monroe. She is past president of the American Legion Auxiliary in Carnation and was a member of the Duvall Civic Club. Marilyn initiated and chaired a Bicentennial celebration for the City of Duvall in 1976. The idea of a parade took hold and she became the mother of the Duvall Days celebration.
In the early 1960’s she served as Duvall Town Clerk and then became secretary to the Redmond High School vice principal in 1968. In 1977, she became secretary to the Riverview School District superintendent until her retirement in 1992.
Marilyn and Gale Peck were married in 1979, and together they continued to be actively engaged in the community. In 1994, Marilyn and Gale were selected Grand Marshalls of the Duvall Days Parade for their civic contributions. They both treasured that honor. Gale died on January 6, 1997.
In 2000, Marilyn married Ralph Ruffolo and spent her next 14 years enjoying time spent with Ralph on Whidbey Island, Tonasket, Las Vegas and the trips and adventures in-between.
Everyone remembers Marilyn’s sense of humor. She was a terrific storyteller. Funny events seemed to follow her through life, and she loved the re-telling. She enjoyed sharing family history and stories from all of her life experiences.
She is predeceased by her parents Jørgen (George) Kjapskor Moen and Anne Marie Jørgensdatter, sister Alma Einmo Owens, brother Harry Einmo, previous husbands William T. Herzog and Gale A. Peck. Husband Ralph Ruffolo of Greenbank, Washington and her three children survive her: Linda M. Herzog Howell of Pullman, Washington; Theodore G. Herzog of Portland, Oregon; and Kathryn M. Herzog Mendes of Hartland, Vermont. Marilyn has nine grandchildren. Nieces and nephews, and stepchildren and grandchildren also survive her.
A graveside service will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2015, 11:30 a.m., at Novelty Hill Cemetery near Duvall Washington. A memorial reception will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Sno-Valley Senior Center in Carnation, Washington.
The Riverview Education Foundation and the Sno-Valley Senior Center are accepting memorials in Marilyn’s memory.
