Marla Collison

Marla Marie Collison, 60, Olympia resident and former real estate agent passed away on

Saturday, February 10, 2024, at her home in Olympia, Washington.

Marla was born on July 15, 1963, to parents Lyle and Avagaline (Peterka) Collison in Richland,

Washington. Marla lived in the Bear Gulch area of Aberdeen with her parents and 2 brothers.

She graduated from JM Weatherwax Aberdeen High School in 1980.

In 1982, Marla joined the Army, where she was stationed in Germany. She was discharged from the military in 1986. Marla moved to Olympia, and started college. She began with Evergreen State College then

went on to obtain her bachelor's degree in business with St. Martin’s University.

After school, Marla came back to the Harbor, working as an insurance agent with State Farm insurance in

Montesano. She obtained her real estate license and began working as a real estate agent for

many years. She purchased her forever home in Olympia in 2003, and started volunteering with

the HOA development.

A few years ago, Marla also began volunteering with the Lacey Lions

Club, and later became a member. Marla loved to volunteer, working with veterans at the Lions

Club, helping children thrive with the HOA development, and working with a South African

orphanage through the TAASA organization. She had planned a trip to finally meet the children

of the orphanage in September 2024. She enjoyed cooking and baking. Famous for her apple

pies, and sending them to all her friends and neighbors. She loved to travel, traveling all

throughout Germany and Canada. Marla was a free loving spirit. She will surely be missed and

forever loved.

Marla is preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Avagaline Collison; and brother, Joseph

Collison.

Marla is survived by brother, Robert Collison, of Hoquiam, Washington; nephews: David

(Jessica) Collison, of Yelm, Washington; Joseph Collison, of Olympia, Washington; Kyle

Collison, of Aberdeen, Washington; Aaron Gilliam, of Post Falls, Idaho; Craig Collison, of

Aberdeen, Washington; and Michael Marshall, of Manhattan, New York; niece, Jillian Hagan, of

Aberdeen, Washington; 9 great nephews; and 2 great great nephews; and many other family

and friends.

Services are being planned and will be announced at a later date. Cremation arrangements are

entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Marla Collison, please visit our flower store.