Obituary: Marilyn Daggett

In celebrating a life well lived and loved, the family of Marilyn K. (Folkman) Daggett, age 88 years young, offer a brief biography, highlighting anecdotal moments of a woman of merit.

Born in Boise, Idaho, on April 22, 1936, to Harold King Folkman and Eleveta Viola Harshfield Folkman, the family relocated to Baker City, Oregon. When Marilyn was 11 years old, she began a love affair with The Elk Horn Mountains, Baker City, and Baker High School’s graduating class of 1954.

Marilyn’s childhood was filled with memories of beloved pets, most notably a Saint Bernard named Elmo, whom she loved dearly. As a 6-year-old, Marilyn faced the Axis threat of World War II with courage, detailing a plan to stone Adolph Hitler with cement balls she manufactured to defend Boise, Idaho, from what she perceived as an imminent threat. This anecdote foreshadows Marilyn’s commitment to a moral cause; she would never compromise her values.

Education played a large role in Marilyn’s life. Graduating from Baker High School in 1954, she continued further studies at Eastern Oregon State College, earning an associate’s degree in secretarial science, culminating in a master's degree, with her introduction to Elvin Ellery Daggett, an All-American football player, and Hall of Fame member of Eastern Oregon University. Elvin and Marilyn lived in Canada and Arizona, where Elvin played professional football; however, with a young family, Elvin and Marilyn elected to accept a teaching and coaching position in Union, Oregon, and Marilyn, upon earning the top-rated score on The Civil Service Exam, accepted a position at Eastern Oregon State College.

In 1967, Marilyn’s Family moved to The Dalles, Oregon, continuing their careers in education, and raising five children. Marilyn worked at the junior high and superintendent's office for The Dalles school district. She completed her career as an administrative assistant, where she was instrumental in the development of Treaty Oak Community College, now known as Columbia Gorge Community College. A memory she treasured involved her input in creating the CGCC logo. She enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren continuing their education at CGCC. 

Marilyn was selected as one of the Outstanding Young Women of America in 1967. She was president of The Dalles Junior Women’s Club, a Cub Scout den mother, room mother and past president of the PTA. She enjoyed singing in church, college, and community choirs, and, while in high school, Marilyn enjoyed participating in theater. Among her many hobbies she enjoyed bowling, cross stitching, traveling, pets, the San Francisco 49ers, wildlife, and planning her high school class reunions. After her retirement and the loss of her husband, Marilyn enjoyed “snow birding” with her companion, David Henderson, settling eventually in Dallesport, Washington, to be closer to her family, her greatest pride and joy.

Marilyn passed away on Nov. 20, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Elvin Ellery Daggett, parents Harold and Eleveta Folkman, brother Vaughn King Folkman, sister-in-law Judy Folkman, and partner of 20 years David Henderson.

Marilyn is survived by her five children, Vonna Kramer (Kevin), Devin Daggett (Terrie), Tobin Daggett, Shawn Daggett (Paula), and Heidi Crane (John), all from The Dalles; her grandchildren Alexander Kramer (Kenya), Christopher Kramer (Nergis), Katherine Kramer, Amanda Witherow (Seth), Angela Condit (Brandon Manion), Vicki Daggett (Nick Loberg), Todd Daggett, Chrissy and Laura Olivera, Anna Davidson (Daniel), Mollie Daggett, Casey Crane (Megan), and Cody Crane (Jessica); and her beloved 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be a celebration of life to be held on Dec. 14 from 2-4 p.m. (open house) at The Civic Auditorium in the Fireside Room, 323 E. Fourth St., The Dalles.