Marilyn Biallas

Longtime Moses Lake resident Marilyn Biallas passed away at her home at the age of 77 on May 25th after a brave three year battle with cancer. Marilyn was born October 4, 1935 in Conrad, MT to Frank and Leona Philipps. She and older sister Delores were joined by brother Duane and little sister Sara. At the age of 10 Marilyn lost her mother to brain cancer. Two years later she was blessed with her second mother Josephine and new brothers John and Ted. A few years later baby brother Ben completed the family. Life as a daughter of a dry land wheat farmer was difficult, but with all the love and laughter on the Philipps farm, no one noticed. Marilyn was an excellent student, accomplished baton twirler and worked as a soda jerk at a local drug store during high school. In 1953 Marilyn met Roger Biallas in their junior year at Conrad High School. They were married on August 7, 1954 shortly after graduation. In May of 1955 their son Mark was born. Six months later with only a few dollars in their pockets and Mark wrapped in newspapers, the three traveled by train to Moses Lake which became their new home. Marilyn worked as a secretary at U&I Sugar Plant until the birth of their daughter Stephanie in January of 1960. Marilyn also worked at the National Bank of Commerce and later ME Mayflower Moving & Storage, but spent most of her life working at the family business A & H Printers. Marilyn was an avid book reader and enjoyed numerous trips to Reno playing the slots. She was a fan of the Seattle Mariners and Gonzaga basketball, never missing a game either on TV or the radio. One of her favorite pastimes was doting on her beloved dog Cleo. Marilyn was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother and will be missed by all. Marilyn was preceded in death by her father Frank, mothers Leona and Josephine, husband Roger, sister Delores and brother Ted. She is survived by brother John (JoAnne) Ader, brother Duane (Karen) Philipps, sister Sara (Gary) Tjaden, brother Ben (Mary Jo) Philipps, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, son Mark Biallas, daughter Stephanie Biallas, grandsons Alex Biallas and Spencer Biallas, granddaughter Sheena (Steve) Byerly and soon to be born great-grandsons Seth and Rory Byerly whom she was very anxious to meet. Marilyn also leaves dear friends Lou Jobin, Barb Bailey, Teresa Gies and constant companion Cleo. The family would like to thank Jodi O’Shea, Dr. Julie Smith and staff, but especially Danette Biallas and LaDawn Garwood for the loving care they gave Marilyn during her last month of life. At Marilyn’s request there will be no services, and in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation in Marilyn’s name. ~~You fought a hard battle Mom, now it’s time to rest.~~

Marilyn Biallas

October 4, 1935 - May 25, 2013