Marilyn S. Schoder March 3, 1927 - July 24, 2009 </MCC HEAD>

Story last updated at 8:16 PM on Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Marilyn S. Schoder March 3, 1927 - July 24, 2009

Longtime Alaskan Marilyn Schoder, 82, died at home in Anchorage on July 24, 2009. Memorial mass services are planned at St. Johns Catholic Church in Homer, Alaska on August 15 at 1:00 p.m.. Her ashes will be buried alongside her husband at Hickerson Cemetery in Homer.

Marilyn was born in Seneca, Ill., the only daughter of George and Grace Schultz. She attended Northwestern College where she earned a nursing degree in 1950. She spent two summers working in Yellowstone National Park, where she met her husband, Thomas Schoder. They were married in 1952 and lived in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks in the first several years of their marriage, where Tom was a ranger. They started their family and made lifelong friends and continued their love of the outdoors through camping, fishing and boating, often with their children and extended family. The family also lived in California, Idaho and Washington before moving to Alaska in 1971.

Marilyn S. Schoder

Marilyn was an only child but did a great job raising five children of her own, as well as caring for several special needs foster babies. When complimented on her children she would reply, "I'm just the box they came in," yet her loving support of their many interests was invaluable. She readily welcomed people of all walks of life into her home, ready to share a pot of tea and offer help. Her family carries on her legacy of love, kindness and generosity.

She returned to nursing as a surgical nurse at Providence Hospital in 1973, where she worked part time until she and Tom retired to Homer in 1979. She was active in local Catholic parishes and quilting groups. Marilyn donated her time to Homer Pick-and-Pay and the Homer Animal Shelter. She will be remembered for her twinkling blue eyes, warm smile and hard work.

Marilyn was a faithful wife and helped Tom through several rounds of cancer, though she developed dementia prior to his death in 2005. She greatly loved her family. She is survived by five children and their spouses: Ruthe and Bill Schoder-Ehri of McNeal, Ariz., Annie and Kelly Drake of Austin, Texas, Michael Schoder and Anne Ver Hoef of Anchorage, Tim and Kay Schoder of Kapolei, Hawaii, and Mary and Jay Ver Hoef of Fairbanks; also 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The family requests any donations to be sent to a Hospice group of your choice.