Jo Marks

“Jo” Ruth Josephine Marks, 72, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2017, in her home in Olympia, Washington; her loving family was close in her final days. Jo was born January 2, 1945, to Monty Millard Price and Marjorie Lavern (Price) Scott in Longview, Washington. She lived in Olympia for 40 years (1977-2017), and in Longview/Kelso for 32 years (1945-1977) Jo graduated from Kelso High School in 1964 and enjoyed continuing education in arts, crafts and business. She married Ron Marks, her hometown sweetheart, in 1965 at St. Helens, Oregon. Professionally, Jo was a successful business manager, ending her career at McCord Co./ CT Corp./Wolters Kluwer in Olympia. Jo was an accomplished artist who worked in many different media over her lifetime, including fabrics, ceramics, paint, moss, food and more. While she was mostly a self-taught artist, she particularly enjoyed taking classes in jewelry making and ceramics. She enjoyed traveling, camping, photography, antiques, flowers and animals. She was a generous and outgoing individual who was dedicated to her family and friends, with an unconditional love that made her everyone’s favorite “____.” She had an uncommon habit to champion each person’s unique traits and talents. She had the uncanny ability to see things others missed, especially at 60 miles per hour driving down the highway. She touched many lives and her legacy will live on in those positive interactions and memories. Jo is survived by her husband, Ronald Marks; sons, Dean and Rick; and brother, Monty Price. She is preceded in death by her parents, Monty and Marjorie Price; sister, Nancy (Price) Welter; brothers, Alvern Price, Marty (Tony) Price. Please leave memories of Jo or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.