Marivonne Imogene Whipple, also known as Granny, passed away on January 22, 2024, at the age of 95 in Mount Vernon, Washington.

Marivonne was born on August 19, 1928 in Anacortes, Washington to Robert and Clara Stover. She attended first grade at Nelson Grade School in Anacortes and went on to graduate from Anacortes High School in 1946. Marivonne married Donald Whipple on August 28, 1948 and they celebrated 61 years of marriage before his passing. She had a fulfilling career, working as a bookkeeper for the family business, Don's Evergreen, as well as handling accounting and advertising for Burlington Thrifty Foods. She found joy in her hobbies, including annual trips to Mexico and Hawaii with her husband, as well as special journeys to Hong Kong, China, Russia, and Ireland. Marivonne and Don created cherished memories on family ski trips in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia, Canada. They also hosted many family holidays, with Christmas Eve being a particular favorite.

Until the age of 90 Marivonne drove her husband's red Hummer to the Soroptimist Thrift Shop in Anacortes, where she was a dedicated weekly volunteer, alongside her childhood friend Bonnie Riley, whom she had known since first grade. Her longevity is attributed to her daily 6:00 AM workouts at Riverside Health Club, which she faithfully attended from 1971 to 2020. She enjoyed attending church at Christ the King in Burlington with her daughter Marla and had a special friendship with Pastor Given Kutz. Marivonne had fun doing countless puzzles with family and friends, collecting brooches and pins, and delighted in her array of Mickey and Minnie Mouse memorabilia.

Growing up without siblings, she always marveled at how she had created such a large family, with three children, 11 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren! Marivonne leaves behind a legacy of love and is survived by her daughters Sheila Fraley (Allen) and Marla Vance (Rick). She was a proud grandmother to Barry Jr. (Kim), Scott, Carly (Ben), David (Annie), Allison (David), Holly, Heidi (Nick), Jenna (Brent), Don, Ben, and Zach. She was also a special great-grandmother to Mackenzie, Trevor, Chance, Brycen, Devin, Shea, Ella, Abby, Evan, Ayla, Kayana, Brayleigh, Rylan, Hazel, William, Emma, and Ruby. Marivonne is also survived by her nephew Ken Whipple (Chris) and daughters-in-law Kathy (Joe) and Annette. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Clara Stover, her husband Donald Whipple, her son Barry Whipple Sr., her brothers-in-law Roy Whipple and Bill Whipple, and her sister-in-law Virginia Whipple.

Marivonne was known for her generosity, love, strength, and adventurous spirit. She was a world traveler who cherished her family above all and was always ready for a grand adventure, including a visit to Disneyland at 87 years old! Her lively and spirited personality will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 8th at 2pm at Allen United Methodist Church. The address is 16775 Allen West Road, Bow, WA 98232.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Burlington Senior Center at 1011 Greenleaf Ave, Burlington, WA 98233, or to Smile Train International: www.smiletrain.org .

Please visit www.hulbushfuneralhome.com to share your thoughts and memories and sign the online guest register.

Arrangements are under the care of Hulbush Funeral Home, Burlington, WA.

A very special thank you to Rusty Collins, Country Meadow Village in Sedro-Woolley, and Hospice of the Northwest. We appreciate all your care and support of our Mom and Gran.