Marion Ruth Sears

Marion Ruth Sears, age 86, a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at the Luna House in Nampa, Idaho. Born on March 2, 1938, in Denver, Colorado, she was the daughter of John and Salina Manning. She was the youngest of four children - Donald, Gilbert, and Eleanor. 

Marion was born in Denver, but grew up in Green River, Wyoming where she enjoyed a simple childhood and warm family life. Graduating from high school, she worked at the Green River County office as a clerk and because she was so diligent and attentive to detail, she was allowed to take a two week trip to Europe as a young woman, which opened her eyes to the world. Not long after returning, she met James D. Sears, who she would fall in love with and marry on June 24, 1961. In August, 1964 she gave birth to twins, Barry Allen and Sherry Ann in Salt Lake City, Utah where they lived during those early years.

As her husband worked for natural gas companies, the family moved across the northwest to include Billings, Montana; La Grange, Oregon, Salt Lake City, Utah; Inkom and Boise, Idaho and others. She was a wonderful homemaker ensuring that everywhere felt like home. Upon retiring my parents settled again in Boise in a house my father's family built in the early '50s, and together they would spend their summers at our cabin in Secesh Meadows north of McCall, Idaho. 

She learned to play the piano at an early age and was an avid teacher and musician throughout her life, playing for congregations and family gatherings. She gave her heart to ministry and teaching children through bible parables and the use of puppets. Her storytelling was well known as was her warm and kind spirit.

In later years, she achieved a life-long goal and attended Boise State University and received her Associates Degree with honors.

When her daughter, Sherry had a stroke in 2009, she visited her every day for nine weeks as she was recovering. As well she would travel to family by plane, train, or bus to celebrate life moments; Barry and Nathalie’s wedding France, Terence and Meredith’s wedding in Washington, and her sister in Green River, Wyoming.

She is survived by her sister, Eleanor Waggoner in Laramie, Wyoming, her son Barry and daughter Sherry; her daughter-in-law Nathalie Sears in New York City, son--in-law Thomas Thomas in Nampa, Idaho, grandchildren of Sherry; Jennifer and husband Jeremiah Emmons, Terrence and wife Meredith Thomas; Barry's children Harrison, Diego, Violette; great grand children Inga age 6, Monty age 4, and Solveig 19 months (Terence), James age 5 and Joanna age 3 (Jenny) and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service will be held November 21 beginning with a viewing at 10:00 followed by a service at 11:00 at the Summers Funeral Home. A funeral escort will begin at 12:00 proceeding to the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery for a burial service at 1:00.