Keep Diou Maruame

Keep Maruame, age 70, passed away Saturday morning on March 23rd, 2024 at OHSU, where he was admitted for experiencing congestive heart failure. His passing was peaceful with his family by his side.

Keep was born on July 1st, 1953, on the island of Kapingamarangi Atoll in Micronesia, to Diou and Maria Ulik. He was the oldest of eight children, including his sisters Listina, Marcella, Ambelina, Zipporah, and Flora, and his brothers Kastro and Martisio. As a child, Keep stayed with his uncle Aisea Ulik, his aunt Konsip Ulik, and his grandmother Dariad Patterson, who raised him on Kapingamarangi before he moved to Pohnpei with his parents for high school. Aisea and Konsip had 11 children who became siblings to Keep: his sisters Enrida, Bertha, Etelinda, Elizabeth, Lima, Dadoume and brothers Nathan, Koel, Augie, Withnel, and Jose. He had many cousins on both sides of his family who are considered his brothers and sisters in Kapingese culture.

He became a resident of Monmouth, OR when he moved to the U.S.A to attend Oregon College of Education (now Western Oregon University), where he received a degree in Education. While attending college, he also met the love of his life, who he married and raised a family with.

He married Doris Maruame on August 16th, 1986. They raised three daughters together, Angela, Olivia and Bridget, and were blessed with one granddaughter, Chloe. He was a proud Christian family man. Spending time with his family brought him the utmost pride and joy.

His career was in the food processing industry as a supervisor/mechanic at a cannery in Salem. After the cannery closed, he worked at Walmart in Dallas until his retirement. Keep also had a passion and talent for repairing cars. He was someone family and friends could rely on for a helping hand to fix or repair many things.

Friends remember Keep as a kind, humorous and humble soul, showing us the true meaning of “Aroha” and “Hirakirara”. His graciousness has touched many lives by helping friends and family when in need of housing and food - he’d never pass up an opportunity to help someone. He always had a smile on his face, exuded positivity, and could lighten anyone’s day.

Aside from spending quality time with family and friends, Keep loved music, golfing, fishing, grilling, camping and going to the coast. His family remembers Keep playing music throughout the house, singing along, and playing his guitar. He also had an artistic side and enjoyed painting. These memories filled the home with joy.

Family, and friends are invited to reminisce and honor the life of Keep Maruame. The service will be followed by a reception with food and refreshments.

• Date: Saturday March 30, 2024
• Time: 2:00 PM
• Location: Dallas Evangelical Church
• Address: 783 SW Church St. Dallas, OR 97338