Marilyn Jean Oldham

Marilyn Jean Oldham (Alto) 
 August 21, 1933 – July 21, 2020

Marilyn Oldham (Alto) was born in Eureka on August 21, 1933 to Richard (Dick) and Barbara Alto. She passed away on July 21, 2020 due to complications from a stroke and dementia. She was under the care of Hospice of Humboldt at Timber Ridge Senior Assisted Living in Eureka.

Marilyn attended the old Worthington Elementary School, Marshall Elementary, Eureka Junior High and graduated from Eureka Senior High in 1951. She also attended Humboldt State, taking secretarial and stenographer courses.

When their girls were young Marilyn was their Girl Scout leader, (Brownies, Juniors and Cadettes) and played taxi service for their many activities. As a young girl Marilyn’s family spent summers camping at Richardson’s Grove State Park and she carried on that tradition with her own family by spending summers camping at Frenches. Marilyn and Ray later purchased property in Myers Flat and what began as a bunch of weeds and berry bushes turned into an enjoyable vacation spot with a garden that was a bounty of fruits and vegetables that they shared with friends and family. Marilyn was very devoted to her EHS Class of ’51 classmates. She was always involved in the planning of their reunions. They had their reunions every five years and she was always front and center.

Marilyn worked as a clerk for Fred Moore in the Humboldt County Clerk’s office for two years, then was a stay-at-home and ‘Room Mom’ for the next 10 years. When she was ready to start working again, she was employed as a bookkeeper for Bancroft Accountants, where she worked for 21 years, and then for Silas Morrison, CPA for the next 25 years. Even after she “retired” she continued to do a few friends’ income taxes.

Marilyn and Ray were members of The Turd Heads, a classic car club in Eureka. They enjoyed participating in the local cruises and numerous car shows in Northern California and Southern Oregon. They became great friends with the other “Turd Heads” and still very much enjoy their friendships.

Marilyn is survived by her husband and best friend Ray of Eureka, her daughters and their families, Debbie and Jim Auker of San Jose, Cindy Miller of Eureka and Vicki and Ken Shatwell who reside in Idaho. Grandchildren and their spouses, Jared and Lauren Auker of San Jose, Dylan and Amanda Auker of Monterey, Brandon and Nicole Canonica of Salem, Michele and Mike Rendino of Idaho and Kenny and Kara Shatwell of Yucaipa, Great-Grandchildren Hunter Auker (Jared), Crystal Canonica (Brandon), Malcom Rendino (Michele) and Hunter & KC (Kenny). She is also survived by Tom Moore who she fondly referred to as her adopted son.

She is preceded in death by her parents Dick and Barb Alto, her brother in-law Clyde Oldham and sisters-in-law Imogene Lau and Marie Lund.

At Marilyn’s request there will be no funeral service. Inurnment at Ocean View Cemetery. If you wish to make a donation in memory of Marilyn please consider Hospice of Humboldt or The American Heart Association.