Marilyn was an inspiration to so many. Her story so courageous. That story ended on October 8th, 2009 . Her life began on December 30, 1963 in Seattle, Washington. Marilyn Louise Leer was born to Francis and Marie Jones, grew up and went to school in Ballard. After high school she graduated with a nursing degree from Shoreline C.C. She spent the majority of her nursing career at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham. She worked and loved on of all the little ones in the special care nursery. She was so good at her job, many a parent took the time to seek her out after their stay there to thank her for the special care she gave the families. Marilyn also worked at Mount Vernon's Women Clinic, where she worked with expecting mothers. The only thing that could prevent Marilyn from continuing to do the job she loved for 20 years was a diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). She was diagnosed on September 24th, 2008. Throughout her battle with ALS, Marilyn continued to display her cheerful and compassionate personality. Numerous people have had their lives changed by watching the grace and strength with which she took on this disease. She even received a letter from a mother she had never met of one of the girls that visited the house. She told Marilyn how much her life had impacted her daughter and how Marilyn was able to teach her the true meaning of courage in life's challenges. Marilyn married her high school sweetheart Jeff Leer on September 28th, 1985. She leaves behind her courage and strength in the two children they are so proud of. Lauren Ashley and Brian Patrick. Preceded in death by her mother and two brothers, she also leaves behind her father, Francis Jones of Port Angeles, sisters Regina King of Beaverton, Oregon, Kathleen Hendricks of Seattle, Marcia Valley of Bothell and numerous relatives, friends and admirers of her grace and beauty. Donations in Marilyn's memory may be made to the ALS Association, Evergreen Chapter, 19110 66th Ave. S., G-101, Kent, WA 98032 Viewing will be from 10am-4pm Sat Oct. 10th, and 12pm-4pm Sun Oct 11th. at Hawthorne Funeral Home (1825 East College Way, Mount Vernon). Services will be held on Mon. Oct 12th at 3pm where Marilyn met with others to gather in corporate worship of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Christ the King Community Church (2111 Riverside Dr. Mount Vernon, WA). With a reception to follow Graveside service for family will be at Abbeyview Memorial Park, 3601 Alaska Road, Brier, WA 98043. Thanks to her army, that loved and supported us throughout this very difficult ordeal. We could not have done it without all of you. Thank you to all at the Mount Vernon Women's Clinic for our regular Tuesday night dinners. Thank you to all at St. Joseph hospital for all your help and support. Special thanks to the people with Skagit Valley Hospice for doing what they do so well.