Obituary of Marian Elizabeth Woosley

Marian Elizabeth White Woosley, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2024. Marian was a remarkable lady, a wonderful influence to the many people whose lives she touched, and an inspiration during her 95 years.

“The” Mrs. Woosley exhibited many traits throughout life. She was witty, determined, curious, intelligent, faithful, adventurous, sharp, successful, feisty, meticulous, proper, independent, supportive, opinionated, informed, challenging, loving and welcoming. An invitation to Marian’s home was treasured by both family and friends. She always made sure her guests were well fed.

Marian was born in Terre Haute, Indiana to Clarence and Georgia White on May 2, 1928 and grew up there. She and a girlfriend always loved the West, so their vacations were often to dude ranches in Colorado and Wyoming.

Marian attended Indiana State University (then Terre Haute Teachers’ College) and was instrumental in starting the Chi Omega Sorority chapter there where she served as its president. She also got her private pilot’s license!

For several years, Marian was a buyer for a large department store in Indiana. She was then offered a position as Dean of Women at an Illinois university but instead loaded up her MGA convertible and drove West to her new position as counselor at the high school in Worland, Wyoming. Soon thereafter she met her “favorite cowboy”, Harold J. (Hal) Woosley, where he was a cattle and sheep rancher as well as a pilot. They were married on December 27, 1958, in

Terre Haute. These two rugged American individuals were married for 43 years before Hal’s passing.

Marian and Hal lived on their W-Diamond ranch outside Ten Sleep, Wyoming for about 8 years, where they had four sons. Ultimately, they sold the ranch and moved to Bellevue, WA in 1967 because they valued the area’s economic opportunity, natural beauty and strong educational system. Marian and Hal raised their family as they explored and got to know Washington.

In 1977 Marian started a career in residential real estate with John L. Scott where she remained until she moved to Wm. Bain & Associates. Marian finally retired from that career in the late 1990s. Marian was known for her high standards, sense of humor and ability to get the job done. Her boundless energy kept her going near and far. She was known to walk just about everywhere she needed or wanted to go.

Marian’s many travels included Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Nepal, Hawaii, Alaska, Iceland, all over Europe, Mongolia, Tibet, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, India, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, Morocco and Antarctica (3 times). She loved to travel our amazing world, particularly because she truly enjoyed meeting new people. She treasured the many friends she made along the way.

Marian’s community involvement included St. Thomas Church (particularly helping feed the homeless through Project Outreach), Overlake Service League (now LifeSpring), teaching immigrants how to read and become US citizens, Overlake Hospital Medical Center support, Women of Washington, BelPres Church and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Marian was predeceased by her parents, brother (John White), husband (Hal) and son (Ty). She is survived by her sons T.J. (Carole), Todd (Julie), David (Michael), and grandchildren James, Carter (Nat), Thomas and Lauren.

Marian will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. Her faith was strong and she knew she was in God’s hands. His will for her is now fulfilled. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

Marian’s funeral will be held on March 14 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Church, 8398 NE 12th St., Medina, WA 98039 with reception to celebrate Marian’s life following.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Thomas Church (https://www.stthomasmedina.org / St. Thomas Church, 8398 NE 12th Street, Medina, WA, 98039) so it can continue to minister to, and provide for, our community.