MARILEE ANN AXTMAN

Marilee Ann Axtman

March 15, 1945 – October 12, 2025

It is with immense sadness we share the passing of Marilee Ann Axtman of Benton City, Washington. Marilee passed away peacefully on October 12th, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous nine-year battle with cancer. She was 80 years old.

Born on March 15th, 1945, in Wenatchee, Washington, to Richard and Margaret (Marge) Trumble, Marilee graduated from Wenatchee High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in education from Fort Wright College in Spokane. She later received her master’s degree from Central Washington University. After college, she married the love of her life, Darl Axtman, and together they began their life in Richland. In 1975, they built their family home in Benton City, where they raised their children and continued to live. Their home of 50 years became the heart of countless family gatherings and celebrations—a place filled with love, laughter, and togetherness.

Marilee dedicated more than 32 years to teaching elementary school, most of them at Tapteal Elementary in West Richland. She touched the lives of countless students with her patience, kindness, and gift for encouragement.

Family was at the center of Marilee’s life. She never missed an opportunity to support her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—attending every sporting event, school function, and celebration she could. Whether babysitting, cheering from the sidelines, or offering words of wisdom, she was always there: steady, loving, and strong.

Marilee loved the ocean and cherished the family’s yearly beach trips, which later became weeklong lake house stays where everyone gathered under one roof. Her love for those traditions will live on through her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed quilting, reading, shopping, collecting antiques, RV camping, and huckleberry picking with the Walsh family. Marilee was known for her exceptional thoughtfulness and her special talent for finding the perfect gift for every occasion.

She had a remarkable ability to see the good in people and in life. Her courage, faith, and positivity were wholehearted and continue to inspire all who knew her. Marilee was truly one of a kind.

Marilee is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Darl Axtman; her children, Marty (Amy) Axtman, Amy (Robert) Reid, Katie (Ryan) Gaumer, and Matthew (Jessica Laughlin) Axtman; her thirteen beloved grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Richard (Julie) Trumble and Rebecca Trumble.

A Rosary Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 20th, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prosser.

A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 22nd, also at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prosser.