It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Marie Joan Wilcox on May 18, 2025, at 96 years of age. She died peacefully at home with family.
Marie (Betty) was born Marie Joan Lehner on August 14, 1928, in Anacortes, Washington, to Albert F. Lehner and Bertha K. Petersen, descendants of German immigrants. Her mother was a hardworking farm wife. In 1940, her father moved the family back to Ridgefield, where they lived in a converted chicken coop while milling lumber for their new homestead on an 80-acre farm near Mud Lake. He was a well-regarded citizen and was commissioned to build the road through Allen Canyon for $200 using a team of mules and dynamite.
Marie attended the old Enterprise Elementary School and graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1946 with honors, including elected officer positions in both Honor Society and Girls' League. Marie met Richard Glenn Kemper during her time as a Spudder, and they were married on August 11, 1950, by Father Vogel of Sacred Heart Church in Battle Ground. They raised their four children in Ridgefield while owning and operating the Ridgefield Feed Store on Main Street.
After divorcing Glenn, Marie married John D. Wilcox on September 9, 1973. They were together until his death on September 17, 1990.
Marie was a member of St. Mary of Guadalupe Catholic Mission and dedicated her life to raising her children Janice (Smith), Richard, Pat and Anita (Knapp).
Her family will remember her for enjoying a good cup of coffee, being a Portland Trail Blazers fan, and her lifelong friendships. On hot August nights—too damn hot to do anything—Marie would be up canning fruits and vegetables from the garden until the wee hours of the morning. The popping sound of sealing jars was music to our ears. Marie loved being outside, tending to her dahlias and begonias. She retired as a professional working mother and bank manager after serving more than 30 years. Owning her own home on Maple Street in Ridgefield was one of her most rewarding achievements. Granny’s spunky sense of humor and storytelling will be missed.
Marie is survived by her children, Richard George of Tok, Alaska; Patrick Michael (Anne) of White Salmon, Washington; and Anita Louise (Robert) Knapp of Sequim, Washington; her sister, Ellen (Jim) Olsen; grandchildren, Jennifer and Timothy; and great-granddaughter, Lily.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Bertha; brothers, Albert and Gilbert; husbands, Richard Glenn Kemper and John Wilcox; daughter, Janice Marie Kemper (Smith); and grandson, Alexander Smith.
Festivities honoring the life of Marie will take place later this summer. If desired, monetary or blood donations may be made to the Red Cross, one of her long-time passions. Woodland Funeral Home is entrusted with the care of final arrangements.
