Wendell and Audrey Way welcomed her Sept. 2, 1941, at her grandfather's homestead in South Dakota. Following graduation from Cresbard Consolidated School, she graduated with bachelor's of science degree from South Dakota State University and later Colorado State University with a master's in education. She married Richard "Dick" Washnok on June 16, 1962, in Cresbard United Methodist Church. They raised two children in Illinois, where she was a computer and home economics teacher for 21 years. During the summers, she worked alongside Dick in the corn research fields. Upon retiring, they traveled extensively and even toured Australia in their restored Model A Tudor. They toured Europe several times and lived full-time in an RV for eight years. They were leaders in developing a quilt show (at least 100 quilts) for the James Valley Threshing Show and donated a building for its use. She was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church.
Marvel enjoyed crafting, sewing, quilting and operating small engine-powered antique household equipment. Her life was brightened with fun activities with her five wonderful grandchildren. In recent years, she took on a full-time job of fighting cancer.
Marvel is survived by her son, Grant (Patty) Washnok of Brandon; daughter, Marsha (Wes) Knackstedt of Wellington, Colo.; her five grandchildren: Clinton, Dillon and Aspen Knackstedt and Henry and Rosemary Washnok; mother-in-law, Reta Washnok; and siblings: Harold Way of Mo., and Melinda Way-Johnson of Minn.
Marvel was preceded in death by her parents, Wendell and Audrey Way; and her husband, Dick Washnok.
A service to celebrate her life will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 2, at the Cresbard First United Methodist Church. Reception to follow in the Cresbard Community Center.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be given to James Valley Threshers Women or charity of your choice, in care of Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home, 1102 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland, CO 80537.
Friends may send condolences to Kibbey-Fishburn or kibbey
fishburn.com.
Marvel leaves you with her motto: Live strong.