Marian was born on July 8, 1916 in Goldendale, WA. She was the fourth of five children born to Frank and Mabel (Bond) Ross. She lived on a farm outside of Goldendale until 1924 when she moved with her family to Dayton, OR. In 1925 they moved to Springhill, OR. She attended Springhill School and enrolled at Forest Grove High School where she was a graduate in 1932. To earn extra money for the family Marian babysat for local families. During the summer, Marian and her siblings would walk “over the hill” to watch the local baseball teams play in Forest Grove and surrounding areas.
She met her husband, Robert P. Van Loo, playing at one of these local baseball games. They were married on April 20, 1938 in Verboort, OR. Following their marriage they made their home at Robert's dad's farm in Verboort, OR. Robert died on November 16, 1974. Marian continued to live on the farm and in 1979 Marian married John Meeuwsen. Following their marriage they lived in Verboort, OR. John died in 1989. Marian lived at her home until 2004 when she moved to Forest Grove. Marian was a homemaker, she and Robert raised six children on the family farm in Verboort. Marian also worked as a seamstress for French's Mens Wear in Forest Grove and was employed at Tektronics for five years.
She enjoyed sewing, bowling, gardening, dancing, and billiards. She would often go hunting and fishing with Robert. Marian traveled extensively, touring Scotland, Northern Europe, Mexico and the US. She followed the World Series, enjoyed reading and started painting during her retirement. Marian was a member of the Visitation Catholic Church in Verboort, a member of the Catholic Daughters and the Visitation Altar Society.
She is preceded in death by her first husband; Robert Van Loo, her second husband; John Meeuwsen , her parents, four siblings and a step-son; Eldon Meeuwsen.
Survivors include her six children and their spouses; Diane and Donald Block of Crooked River Ranch, OR, Pat and Richard Hammond of Verboort, OR, Sally and Dave Herb of Hillsboro, OR. Cathy and Wayne Salvo of Helvetia, OR, Ross and Kirsten Van Loo of Hillsboro, OR, Mary and Lou Laferriere of North Bend, WA, 27 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and six step-children from her marriage with John Meeuwsen.
The family requests donations to be made in Marian's name to the Visitation School Endowment Fund; 4285 NW Visitation Rd, Forest Grove, OR 97116 or to the Forest Grove Senior Center; 2037 Douglas Street, Forest Grove, OR 97116