Marlyce Ann (Stillman) Dixon | March 7, 1935 – March 18, 2026

Marlyce passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, at the age of 91, leaving behind a lasting legacy of love, family, faith, and community.

Born on March 7, 1935, to Lewis and Hilma Stillman, Marlyce grew up on a dairy farm near Minot, North Dakota. Because she was nearly 20 years younger than her sister, Francis, she was raised much like an only child, with her beloved collie, Fanny, as a constant companion. She later spent her teenage years in upstate New York, where her family continued dairy farming and she finished high school, before eventually settling in Seattle, Washington. Throughout her adult life, she remained especially close to her favorite niece, Janice, who was always more like a sister.

Marlyce and her husband, Robert, began their life together on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. Life was busy with four boys under the age of 6 and their activities. Summers were often spent at their house on Vashon Island in earlier years and later working together in their cherry orchard on Flathead Lake in Montana. After a brief time living near Oak Ridge, Tennessee, they returned to Washington, living in Renton before settling in Maple Valley. In retirement, they made their home on Vashon Island.

Rooted in a traditional rural upbringing, Marlyce was a remarkably hard worker who rarely complained and found her greatest joy in caring for her family. She loved tending her garden, baking, and preserving the fruits of each season. Picking berries and canning fresh fruit alongside her mother remained one of her lifelong pleasures. She was a true friend to everyone she met, she was very curious and always happiest sharing time, conversation, and coffee with others.

Deeply devoted to her faith and community, Marlyce was active in the United Methodist Church and was a cherished member of the Vashon Island garden club. In retirement, one of her favorite simple pleasures was visiting the local Roastery for coffee and conversation with neighbors and friends.

She is reunited in peace with her beloved husband, Robert. She is lovingly remembered by her four sons, James, Jeffery, Joseph, and John, and by her four grandchildren, Benjamin, Clarissa, Cameron, and Shannon, all of whom brought great joy to her life.

A celebration of life will be held at 2pm on June 13 at the United Methodist Church on Vashon Island. Memorial donations may be made to Vashon-Maury Island Garden Club, at VMIGC.org.