Marian Buchanan

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, at Union memorial Church in Milford for Marian Buchanan of Arlington, Wash.

Another memorial service was held Sunday, Jan. 24, at Arlington United Church.

Marian Buchanan passed away Dec. 23, 2009, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law Jeannine and Alan Lish , near Arlington, Wash. Even in her last days, she recognized family and friends and enjoyed visiting with them by phone or in person.

Marian Elsie was born July 20, 1914, to Frank Charles and Lena Christina Paton Williams in Milford, the first of three daughters.

She graduated from Milford High School in 1931 -- 25 years after her mother. For three years, Marian taught fifth grade in Arnolds Park before marrying Milford's new doctor, John James "J.J." Buchanan, MD.

She was active in church work, many clubs and organizations and assisting with school activities. In the 1960s to the 1980s, she was an ISU housemother and Residence Director at Buchanan Hall. She taught piano and enjoyed the many cultural activities the campus offered.

In 1987, Doc and Marian remarried in Ames on Thanksgiving weekend. Doc passed away June 28, 1988.

Most summers through 2004, and again in 2008, Marian was at her West Lake Okoboji cottage.

For 21 years, Marian led an active life in Washington, participating in classes and activities at Stilly Senior Center, singing with the "Stilly Singers," attending concerts and games, school and church functions.

Marian delighted in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and seeing them develop their individual talents and interests in music, art, sports, Scouts, academics and helping others.

Marian is survived by her children: Kay A. Buchanan-Eckman (Verne) of Brandon, S.D., and Milford; John J. Buchanan, Jr. and Jeannine E. Lish (Alan) of Arlington, Wash.; five grandchildren: Sherri Shima DeNoble (Jerry) of Spirit Lake, Bobbi Shima Kostinec (Rob) of Rochester, Minn.; Christopher Lish of Point Reyes National Park, Calif.; Erich Lish (Kellie) of Arlington, Wash.; Greg Lish of Issaquah, Wash.; two step-grandchildren, Steve Eckman of Fayetteville, N.C.; and Allison Eckman Hiebert of Vancouver, Wash.; seven great-grandchildren and many family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to her church, Senior Center, or charity of choice.

Marian Buchanan

July 20, 1914 -- Dec. 23, 2009

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, at Union memorial Church in Milford for Marian Buchanan of Arlington, Wash.

Another memorial service was held Sunday, Jan. 24, at Arlington United Church.

Marian Buchanan passed away Dec. 23, 2009, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law Jeannine and Alan Lish , near Arlington, Wash. Even in her last days, she recognized family and friends and enjoyed visiting with them by phone or in person.

Marian Elsie was born July 20, 1914, to Frank Charles and Lena Christina Paton Williams in Milford, the first of three daughters.

She graduated from Milford High School in 1931 -- 25 years after her mother. For three years, Marian taught fifth grade in Arnolds Park before marrying Milford's new doctor, John James "J.J." Buchanan, MD.

She was active in church work, many clubs and organizations and assisting with school activities. In the 1960s to the 1980s, she was an ISU housemother and Residence Director at Buchanan Hall. She taught piano and enjoyed the many cultural activities the campus offered.

In 1987, Doc and Marian remarried in Ames on Thanksgiving weekend. Doc passed away June 28, 1988.

Most summers through 2004, and again in 2008, Marian was at her West Lake Okoboji cottage.

For 21 years, Marian led an active life in Washington, participating in classes and activities at Stilly Senior Center, singing with the "Stilly Singers," attending concerts and games, school and church functions.

Marian delighted in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and seeing them develop their individual talents and interests in music, art, sports, Scouts, academics and helping others.

Marian is survived by her children: Kay A. Buchanan-Eckman (Verne) of Brandon, S.D., and Milford; John J. Buchanan, Jr. and Jeannine E. Lish (Alan) of Arlington, Wash.; five grandchildren: Sherri Shima DeNoble (Jerry) of Spirit Lake, Bobbi Shima Kostinec (Rob) of Rochester, Minn.; Christopher Lish of Point Reyes National Park, Calif.; Erich Lish (Kellie) of Arlington, Wash.; Greg Lish of Issaquah, Wash.; two step-grandchildren, Steve Eckman of Fayetteville, N.C.; and Allison Eckman Hiebert of Vancouver, Wash.; seven great-grandchildren and many family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to her church, Senior Center, or charity of choice.